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FROM   THE  LIBRARY  OF 
REV.   LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON,  D.  D. 

BEQUEATHED   BY   HIM  TO 

THE   LIBRARY  OF 

FRINCETON  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 


SalWlit-    cUrA 


^ 


THE 


12  1937 


CATHOLIC    MANUAL, 


C  O  N  T  A  1  N  I  K  {■ 


A  SELECTION  OF  PKAYERS 


SUcnotioncil  <£*eVrists, 


FOR      THE 


USE  OF  CHRISTIANS  IH  EVERY  STATE  OP  LIFE. 


Ask.  and  it  shall  be  given  too.— Mali.  vii.  7. 


NEW-YORK : 

THE  CATHOLIC  PUBLICATION  SOCIETY, 

126  Nassau  Street. 

1870. 


IMPRIMATUR. 

^  JOHN, 

Archbishop  of  New-  York, 


THE 

ROMAN  CALENDAR, 


The  Calendar  is  a  Table  containing1  the  Feasts  which 
are  kept  during-  the  year.  They  are  of  two  sorts:  some 
are  affixed  to  certain  days,  and  are  called  immoveable,- 
others  have  no  fixed  days,  and  are  called  moveable. 

The  immoveable  feasts  have  been  carefully  distin- 
guished in  the  Calendar.  Those  which  are  of  obliga- 
tion, are  printed  in  large  capitals,  those  of  peculiar 
devotion  in  smaller  ones;  the  others  in  ordinary  round 
types.  Those  which  are  not  found  in  the  Roman  of- 
fice are  in  italic  letters. 

Most  of  the  moveable  feasts  depend  upon  the  feast 
of  Easter,  which  is  regulated  by  the  full  moon  of  the 
vernal  equinox.  A  compendious  table  of  these  feasts 
is  here  affixed.  The  first  Council  of  Nice,  held  in 
the  year  325,  decreed  that  the  feast  of  Easter  should 
be  celebrated  on  the  Sunday  following  the  full  moon, 
which  falls  either  on  the  21st  of  March,  (which  was 
looked  upon,  at  that  time,  as  the  day  of  the  equi- 
nox,) or  on  the  days  following,  till  the  18th  of  April. 
Hence  if  the  full  moon  fall  on  the  21st  of  March,  and 
this  be  a  Saturday,  the  next  day  will  be  Easter  Sun- 
day. But  if  it  fall  on  the  20th,  this  moon  will  not  be 
considered  the  paschal  moon :  the  next  full  moon  only, 


4  THE  ROMAN  CALENDAR. 

which  will  be  on  the  18th  of  April,  can  be  leckoned 
such.  Should  this  18th  of  April  be  a  Sunday,  Easter 
would  be  the  Sunday  following-,  or  the  25th  of  April. 
Easter,  then,  can  be  no  later  than  the  25th  of  April, 
nor  earlier  than  the  22nd  of  March. 

The  Dominical  letters  are  used  to  indicate  the  Sun- 
days  throughout  the  year.  They  are  seven  in  number, 
corresponding"  to  the  seven  days  of  the  week,  and 
are  changed  annually.  In  leap  year,  two  are  set 
down. — The  first  indicates  the  Sundays  till  the  25th 
of  February — the  other  during-  the  remaining-  part  of 
tne  year. 

The  Golden  number  is  contained  in  a  cycle  of  19 
years.  In  this  cycle  the  new-moons  return,  in  a  reg- 
ular succession,  to  the  same  days  in  which  they  were 
in  the  preceding"  cycle.  Hence  the  different  num- 
bers of  the  Epact,  which  is  used  to  designate  the 
new-moon  and  to  determine  the  feast  of  Easter,  al- 
ways correspond  with  the  same  gulden  numbers  in 
every  cycle. 


TABLE 

OF  THE 

MOVEABLE  FEASTS.     5 

8tf 

t-'S 

§  - 

H 

-3 
P 
O 

CO 

•if 

Ash 
Wednes- 
day 

Easter 
Sunday. 

1343 

A 

1 

* 

Feb.  12 

March    1 

April    16 

1844 

GF 

2 

11 

Feb.     4 

Feb.     21 

April     7 

1345 

E 

3 

22 

Jan.    19 

Feb.       5 

March  23 

1846 

D 

4 

3 

Feb.     8 

Feb.     25 

April    12 

1847 

C 

5 

14 

Jan.   31 

Feb.     17 

April     4 

1348 

BA 

6 

25 

Feb.  20 

March   8 

April   23 

1849 

G 

7 

6 

Feb.     4 

Feb.     21 

April     8 

1850 

F 

8 

17 

Jan.    27 

Feb.     13 

March  31  i 

1851 

E 

9 

28 

Feb.  16 

March   5 

April   20 

1852 

DC 

10 

9 

Feb.     8 

Feb.     25 

April    11 

1853 

B 

11 

20 

Jan.    23 

Feb.       9 

March  27 

1854 

A 

12 

1 

Feb.  12 

March    1 

April   16 

1855 

G 

13 

12 

Feb.     4 

Feb.     21 

April     8 

1856 

FE 

14 

23 

Jan.    20 

Feb.       6 

March  23 

1857 

D 

15 

4 

Feb.     8 

Feb.     25 

April    12 

1853 

C 

16 

15 

Jan.   31 

Feb.     17 

April     4 

1859 

B 

17 

26 

Feb.  20 

March   9 

April   24 

1860 

AG 

18 

7 

Feb.     5 

Feb.     22 

April     8 

1861 

F 

19 

18 

Jan.   27 

Feb.     13 

March  31 

1862 

E 

1 

* 

Feb.  16 

March   5 

April   20 

1863 

D 

2 

11  J  Feb.     1 

Feb.     18 

April     5 

1864 

CB 

3 

22  J  Jan.   24 

Feb.     10 

March  27 

1865 

A 

4 

3  1  Feb.  12 

March   1 

April    16 

1866 

G 

5 

14   Jan.   28 

Feb.     14 

April      1 

1867 

F 

6 

25    Feb.  17 

March   6 

April   21 

1868 

ED 

7 

6    Feb.     9 

Feb.     26 

April    12 

1869 

C 

8 

17   Jan.   24 

Feb.     10 

March  28 

1870 

B 

9 

23    Feb.  13 

March   2 

April    17 

1871 

A 

10 

9    Feb.     5 

Feb.     22 

April     9 

1872 

Gr 

11 

20   Jan.   28 

Feb.     14 

March  31 

1873 

E 

12 

1    Feb.     9 

Feb.     26 

April    13 

1874 

D 

13 

12    Feb.     1 

Feb.     18 

April     5 

1875 

C 

14 

23   Jan.    24 

Feb.     10 

March  28 

1876 

BA 

15 

4    Feb.  13 

March   1 

April    16 

1877 

G 

.6 

15   Jan.   28 

Feb.     14 

April      1 

6     TABLE  OF  THE  MOVEABLE  FEASTS. 

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> 

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p  2 

3    i 

2.  3    -• 

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2^ 

3Vi 

s 

1843 

May    25 

June     4 

June  15 

25 

Dec.     3 

1S44 

May    16 

May   26 

June     6 

26 

Dec.      1 

1845 

May      1 

May   11 

May   22 

28 

Nov.  30 

1846 

May   21 

May   31 

June  11 

25 

Nov.  29 

1847 

May   13 

May   23 

June     3 

26 

Nov.  28 

1848 

June     1 

June   11 

June  22 

24 

Dec.     3 

1849 

May   17 

May   27 

June     7 

26 

Dec.     2 

1850 

May     9 

May   19 

May   30 

27 

Dec.      1 

1851 

May   29 

June     8 

June  19 

24 

Nov.  30 

1852 

May   20 

May   30 

June  10 

25 

Nov.  28 

1853 

May     5 

May   15 

May   26 

27 

Nov.  27 

1854 

May   25 

June     4 

June   15 

25 

Dec.     3 

1855 

May    17 

May   27 

June     7 

26 

Dec.     2 

1856 

May     1 

May   11 

May   22 

28 

Nov.  30 

1857 

May   21 

May   31 

June  11 

25 

Nov.  29 

1858 

May   13 

May   23 

June     3 

26 

Nov.  2S 

1859 

June     2 

June  12 

June  23 

23 

Nov.  27 

1860 

May    17 

May   27 

June     7 

26 

Dec.     2 

1861 

May     9 

May   19 

May   30 

27 

Dec.     1 

1862 

May   29 

June     8 

June   19 

24 

Nov.  30 

1863 

May    14 

May   24 

June     4 

26 

Nov.  29 

1864 

May     5 

May    15 

May   26 

27 

Nov.  27 

1865 

May  25 

June     4 

June   15 

25 

Dec.     3 

1866 

May    10 

May   20 

May   31 

27 

Dec.     2 

1867 

May   30 

June     9 

June  20 

24 

Dec.      1 

1868 

May   21 

May  31 

June  11 

25 

Nov.  29 

1S69 

May     6 

May    16 

May   27 

27 

Nov.  28 

1870 

May   26 

June     5 

June  16 

24 

Nov.  27 

1871 

May    18 

May   28 

June     8 

26 

Dec.     3 

1872 

May     9 

May   19 

May   30 

27 

Dec.      1 

1873 

May   22 

June     1 

June   12 

25 

Nov.  30 

1874 

May    14 

May   24 

June     4 

26 

Nov.   29 

1875 

May     6 

May    16 

May   27 

27 

Nov.  23 

1876 

May   25 

June     4 

June  15 

25 

Dec.     3 

J 1877 

May    10 

May   20 

May   31 

27 

Dec.      2 

JAN'UARY. 


t  CIRCUMCISIOX  OF  OUR  LORD. 

t  Octave  of  S.  Stephen. 

t  Octave  of  S.  John. 

t  Octave  of  holy  Innocents. 

f  Vi^il  of  Epiphany. 

f  EPIPHANY  OF  OUR  LORD. 

Of  the  Octave  of  Epiphany. 

Of  the  Octave. 

Of  the  Octave. 

Of  the  Octave. 

Of  the  Octave. 

Of  the  Octave. 

Octave  of  Epiphany. 

S.  Hilary,  Bishop  of  Poitiers 

S.  Paul,  first  Hermit. 

R.  Marcellus..  Pope  and  Martyr. 

S.  Anthony,  Abbot. 

Chair  of  St  Peter,  at  Rome. 

S.  Canute,  King  of  Den.  Martyr. 

SS.  Fabian  and  Sebastian,  Martyrs. 

S.  Agnes,  Virgin  and  Martyr. 

SS.  Vincent  &.  Anastasius,  Martyrs 

Espousals  of  the  B.  V.  Mary. 

S.  Timothy,  Bishop  and  Martyr. 

Conversion  of  S.  Paul,  Apostle. 

S.  Poly  carp,  Bishop  and  Martyr 

S.  John  Chrysostom,  Bishop  and  Doctor. 

S.  Raymund  of  Pennafort,  Confessor. 

S.  Francis  of  Sales,  Bishop. 

S.  Martina,  Virgin  and  Martyr. 

S.  Peter  Nolasco,  Confessor. 

On  the  2d  Sunday  after  Epiphany,  The  most  Holy 

name  of  JESUS. 

N.  B.    The  days  marked  with  a  {  are  days 
Plenary  Indulgence. 


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FEBRUARY. 


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S.  Ignatius,  Bishop  and  Martyr. 

t  Purification  of  the  B.  V.  Mary. 

f  S.  Blase,  Bishop  and  Martyr. 

f  S.  Andrew  Corsini,  Bishop. 

f  S.  Agatha,  Virgin  and  Martyr. 

f  S.  Dorothy,  Virgin  and  Martyr. 

f  S.  Romuald,  Abbot. 

f  S.  John  of  Martha,  Confessor. 

{  S.  Apollonia,  Virgin  and  Martyr. 

S.  Scholastica,  Virgin. 

SS.  Saturninus,  and  his  Companions,  Martyrs. 

S.  Meletius,  Patriarch  of  Antioch,  Confessor. 

S.  Catharine  of  Ricci,  Virgin. 

S.  Valentine,  Priest  and  Martyr. 

SS.  Faustinus  and  Jovita,  Martyrs. 

S.  Onesimus,  Bishop  of  Ephesus,  Martyr. 

S.  Theodulus,  Martyr. 

S.  Simeon,  Bishop  of  Jerusalem,  &,  Martyr. 

S.  Mansuetus,  Bishop  of  Milan,  and  Confessor. 

S.  Eucherius,  Bishop  and  Confessor. 

S.  Severianus,  Bishop  and  Martyr. 

Chair  of  St.  Peter,  at  Antioch. 

(Vigil.)  S.  Peter  Damian,  Bishop  and  Doctor. 

S.Matthi  as,  Apostle,  in  leap  years  on  the  25. 

S.  Felix,  Pope  and  Confessor. 

S.  Alexander,  Bishop  of  Alexandria,  Confessor. 

S.  Leander,  Bishop  of  Seville,  Confessor. 

S.  Romanus,  Abbot. 

S.  Oswald,  Bishop  >f  Worcester,  Confessor. 


On  Friday  after  Quinquag.  Sund.,  Passion  of  our 
Lord. 

—  after  the  1st  Sund.  of  Lent,  Crown  of  Thorns 
of  our  Lord. 

—  after  the  2d  Sund.  of  Lent,  Spear  and  Nails 
of  our  Lord. 


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8d 
9e 
10  f 

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13  b 

14  c 
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17  f 
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19  A 

20  b 
21c 

22  d 

23  e 

24  f 

25  g 

26  A 

27  b 

28  c 

29  d 

30  e 

31  f 


MARCH. 


S.  Albinus,  Bishop  and  Confessor. 

S.  Simplicius,  Pope  and  Confessor. 

S.  Cunegundes.  Virgin. 

S.  Casiinir,  Confessor. 

S.  Phocas,  Martyr. 

SS.  Victor  and  Comp.  Martyrs. 

S.  Thomas  of  Aquino,  Conf.  and  Doctor. 

S.  John  of  God,  Confessor. 

S.  Frances,  Widow. 

The  Forty  Martyrs  of  Sebaste. 

S.  Eulogius,  Priest  and  Martyr. 

S.  Gregory  the  Great,  Pope  and  Doctor. 

S.  Euphrasia,   Virgin. 

S.  Mathilda,  Widow. 

S.  Longinus,  Martyr. 

S.  Abraham,  Hermit. 

S.  Patrick,  Bishop,  Apostle  of  Ireland. 

S.  Gabriel,  Archangel. 

S.  Joseph,  Spouse  of  the  B.  V.  Mary. 

S.  Cuthbert,  Bishop  and  Confessor. 

S.  Benedict,  Abbot. 

S.  Basil,  Priest  and  Martyr. 

S.  Turibius,  Bishop  of  Lima,  Confessor. 

S.  Simeon,  Martyr. 

f  ANNUNCIATION  of  the  B.  V.MARY. 

f  S.  Ludger,  Bishop  and  Confessor. 

f  S.  John,  Hermit. 

f  S.  Goniran,  King  and  Confessor. 

f  S.  Cyrillus,  Deacon  and  Martyr. 

f  S.  John  Climacus,  Abbot. 

f  S.  Balbina,  Virgin. 


On  Friday  after  the  3d  Sund.  of  Lent,  Five  Wounds 

of  our  Lord. 
after  the  4th  Sund.  of  Lent,  The  most  precious 

Blood  of  our  Lord. 
after  Passion  Sund.  the  feast  of  the  Compassion 

of  the  B.  V.  Mary. 


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APitlL. 


t  S.  Hugh,  Bishop  of  Grenoble,  Confessor. 

S.  Francis  of  Paula,  Confessor. 

S.  Richard,  Bishop  and  Confessor. 

S.  Isidore,  Bishop  of  Seville,  andDoctor. 

S.  Vincent  Ferrier,  Confessor. 

S.  Celestine  I.,  Pope  and  Confessor. 

S.  Hegesippus,  Confessor. 

S.  Dionysius,  Bishop  of  Corinth. 

S.Mary  of  Cleophas,  s'ister  of  the  B.  V.  Mary. 

S.  Macarius,  Bishop  of  Antiocluand  Confessor. 

S.  Leo  the  Great,  Pope  and  Doctor. 

S.  Victor,  Martyr. 

S.  Hermenegild,  Martyr. 

SS.  Tiburtius,  Valerian  andMaximus,  Mar. 

SS.  Basilissa  and  Anastasia,  Martyrs. 

S.  Lambert,  Martyr. 

S.  Anicetus,  Pope  and  Martyr. 

S.  Perfectus,  Priest  and  Martyr. 

S.  Timon,  Deacon  and  Martyr. 

S.  Agnes,  Virgin. 

S.  Anselm,  Bishop  of  Canterbury,  8c  Doctor. 

SS.  Soter  and  Caius,  Popes  and  Martyrs. 

S.  George,  Martyr. 

S.  Fidelis,  Martyr. 

S.  Mark,  Evangelist. 

SS.  Cletus  &.  Marcellinus,  Popes  and  Marts. 

S.  John,  Abbot  and  Confessor. 

S.  Vitalis,  Martyr. 

S.  Peter,  Martyr. 

S.  Catharine  of  Sienna,  Virgin. 


On  the   third  Sunday  after  Easier,  Patronage  of| 
S  Joseph. 


MAY 


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SS.  Philip  and  James,  Apostles. 

S.  Athanasius,  Bishop  of  Alexandria,  &.  Doct.  j 

Finding  of  the  Holy  Cross. 

S.  Monica,  Widow. 

S.  Pius  V.,  Pope  and  Confessor. 

S.  John  the  Apostle,  before  the  Latin  Gate.      \ 

S.  Stanislas,  Bishop  and  Martyr. 

Apparition  of  S.  Michael,  the  Archangel.         j 

S.  Gregory  Nazianzen,  Bishop  and  Doctor. 

S.  Antoninus,  Bishop  of  Florence. 

S.  Mamertus,  Bishop  of  Vienna,  and  Confessor.  I 

SS.  Nereus  and  Achilleus,  Martyrs. 

S.  John  the  Silent,  Hermit. 

S.  Boniface,  Martyr. 

SS.  Torquatus  and  his  Companions,  Martyrs. 

S.  Ubaldus,  Bishop. 

S.  Paschal  Baylon,  Confessor. 

S.  Venantius,  Martyr. 

S.  Peter  Celestine.  Pope. 

S.  Bernardinof  Sienna,  Confessor. 

S.  Valens,  Bishop  and  Martyr. 

S.  John  Nepomucen,  Martyr. 

S.  Desidcrius,  Bishop  and  Martyr. 

Feast  ofB.V.  M.  as  help  of  Christians 

S.  Gregory  VII.,  Pope  and  Confessor. 

S.  Philip  of  Neri,  Confessor. 

S.  Mary  Magdalen  of  Pazzi,  Virgin. 

S.  Germanus,  Bishop  of  Paris,  and  Confessor. 

S.  Maximus,  Bishop  of  Triers,  and  Confessor. 

S.  Felix,  Pope  and  Martyr. 

S.  Petronilla,  Virgin. 


On  Friday  next  to  the  Octave  of  Corpus  Christ 
Feast  of  the  Sacred  Heart  of  Jesus 


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12  b 

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19  b 

20  c 

21  d 

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26  b 

27  c 

28  d 

29  e 

30  f 


JUNE. 

S.  Pamphilus,  Priest  and  Martyr. 

SS.  Marcellus,  Peter  and  Erasmus,  Martyrs. 

S.  Clotildis,  Queen  of  France. 

S.  Francis  Caracciolo,  Confessor. 

S.  Boniface,  Bishop,  Apostle  of  Germany. 

S.  Norbert,  Bishop  of  Magdeburgh. 

S.  Robert,  Abbot. 

S.  Medardus,  Bishop  and  Confessor. 

SS.  Primus  and  Felicianus,  Martyrs. 

S.  Margaret,  Queen  of  Scotland. 

S.  Barnabas,  Apostle. 

S.  John  a  S.  Facundo,  Confessor. 

S.  Anthony  of  Padua,  Confessor. 

S.  Basil  the  Great,  Bishop  and  Doctor. 

SS.  Vitus,  Modestus  and  Crescentia,  Martyrs. 

S.  John  Francis  Regis,  Confessor. 

S.  Avitus,  Priest  and  Confessor. 

SS.  Marcus  and  Marcellianus,  Martyrs. 

S.  Juliana  of  Falconieri,  Virgin. 

S.  Silverius,  Pope  and  Martyr. 

S.  Aloysius  Gonzaga,  Confessor. 

S.  Paulinus,  Bishop  of  Nola. 

Vigil  of  S.  John  the  Baptist. 

Nativity  of  S.  Johx  the  Baptist. 

S.  William,  Abbot. 

SS.  John  and  Paul,  Martyrs. 

Of  the  Octave  of  S.  John  the  Baptist. 

(Vigil.)  S.  lrenoeus,  Bishop  of  Lyons,  &  Mar. 

f  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Apostles. 

f  Commemoration  of  S.  Paul. 


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A 

31 

b 

JULY. 


f  Octave  of  S.  John  the  Baptist. 

j   VISITATION    OF    THE  B.   V.  MARY. 

t  Of  the  Octave  of  SS.  Peter  and  Paul. 

f  Of  the  Octave. 

t  Of  the  Octa%e. 

t  Octave  of  SS.  Peter  and  Paul. 

S.  Leo  II.,  Pope  and  Confessor. 

S.  Elizabeth,  Queen  of  Portugal. 

S.  Cyrillus,  Bishop  of  Gortyna,  Martyr. 

The  Seven  Brothers,  Martyrs. 

S.  Pius  I.,  Pope  and  Martyr. 

S.  John  Gualbert,  Abbot. 

S.  Anacletus,  Pope  and  Martyr. 

S.  Bonaventure,  Bishop  and  Doctor. 

S.  Henry,  Emperor,  Confessor. 

B.  Virgin-  Mary  of  Mount  Carmel. 

S.  Alexius,  Confessor. 

S.  Camillus  of  Lellis,  Confessor. 

S.  Vincent  of  Paul,  Confessor. 

S.  Jerom  iEmilian,  Confessor. 

S.  Praxedes,  Virgin. 

S.  Mary  Magdalen,  Penit. 

S.  Apollinaris,  Bishop  and  Martyr. 

Vigil  of  S.  James,  Ap. 

S.  James,  Apostle. 

S.  Ann,  Mother  of  the  B.  V.  Mary. 

S.  Pantaleon,  Martyr. 

SS.  Nazarius,  Celsus,  See.  Martyrs. 

S.  Martha,  Virgin. 

SS.  Abdon  and  Sennen,  Martyrs. 

S.  Ignatius,  Founder  of  the  Society  of  Jesus. 


1 

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31 

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AUGUST. 


S.  Peter's  Chains. 

S.  Alphonsus  M.  Liguori,  Bishop. 

Finding  of  the  Relics  of  St.  Stephen. 

S.  Dominick,  Confessor. 

Dedication  of  S.  Mary  ad  Nives. 

Transfiguration  of  our  Lord. 

S.  Cajetan,  Confessor. 

SS.  Cyriacus,  Largus  &c  Smaragdus,  Martyrs. 

Vigil  of  S.  Lawrence. 

S.  Lawrence,  Martyr. 

Of  the  Octave  of  S.  Lawrence. 

S.  Clara,  Virgin. 

Of  the  Octave  of  S.  Lawrence. 

Vigil  of  Assumption,  with  fast. 

f  ASSUMPTION  OF  THE  B.  V.  MARY. 

j  S.  Hyacinlhus,  Confessor. 

j  Octave  of  S.  Lawrence. 

{  Of  the  Octave  of  Assumption. 

f  Of  ihe  Octave  of  Assumption. 

f  S.  Bernard,  Abbot  and  Doctor. 

f  S.  Jane  Frances  de  Chantal,  Widow. 

j  Octave  of  the  Assumption. 

(Vigil.)  S.  Philip  Beniti,  Confessor. 

S.  Bartholomew,  Apostle. 

S.  Lewis,  King  of  France,  Confessor. 

S.  Zephyrinus,  Pope  and  Martyr. 

S.  Joseph  Calasanctius,  Confessor. 

S.  Augustine,  Bishop  and  Doctor. 

Beheading  of  St.  John  the  Baptist. 

S.  Rose  of  Lima,  Virgin. 

S.  Raymund  Nonnatus,  Confessor. 


On  the  Sunday  within  the  Oct.  of  the  Assumption,  the 
Feast  of  S.  Joachim,  the  Father  of  the  B.  V. 

Mary. 


J 


SEPTEMBER. 


S.  Giles,  Abbot. 

S.  Stephen,  King  of  Hungary,  Confessor. 

8.  Simeon  Stylites,  Confessor. 

S.  Rosalia,  Virgin. 

S.  Lawrence  Justinian,  Bishop  of  Venice. 

S.  Oncsiphorvs,  Martyr. 

S.  Regina,  Virgin  and  Martyr. 

f  Nativity  of  the  B.  Virgin  Mary. 

f  Of  the  Octave  of  the  Nativity  of  B.  V.  M. 

{  S.  Nicholas  Tolentine,  Confessor. 

t  Of  the  Octave. 

f  Of  the  Octave. 

f  Of  the  Octave. 

f  Exaltation  of  the  Holy  Cross. 

f  Octave  of  the  Nativity. 

SS.  Cornelius  and  Cyprian,  Bishops  &.  Marts. 

Stigmata  of  S.  Francis. 

S.  Joseph  of  Cupertino,  Confessor. 

SS.  Januarius,  Bishop,  &  Companions,  Marts. 

(Vigil.)  SS.  Eustachius  and  Comp.,  Martyrs. 

S.. Matthew,  Apostle. 

S.  Thomas  of  Villanova,  Confessor. 

S.  Linus,  Pope  and  Martyr. 

Our  Lady  of  Mercy. 

S.  Cleophas,  Martyr. 

SS.  Cyprian  and  Justina,  Martyrs. 

SS.  Cosmas  and  Damian,  Martyrs. 

S.  Wenceslaus,  Duke  of  Bohemia,  Martyr. 

f  S.  Michael,  Archangel. 

f  S.  Jerom,  Priest  and  Doctor. 

On  the  Sunday  within  the  Octave  of  the  Nativity,  the  j 
Feast  of  the  Holy  Name  of  Mary  ;  and  the  Sun 
day  following,  the  Feast  of  the  Seven  Dolours. 


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OCTOBER. 


1  A  f  S.  Remigius,  Bishop, 

2  b  f  The  Guardian  Angels. 

3  c  \  S.  Candidus,  Martyr. 

4  d  f  S.  Francis  of  Assisium,  Confessor. 

5  e  f  SS.  Placidus  and  Companions,  Martyrs. 

6  f  f  S.  Bruno,  Confessor. 

7  g  S.  Mark,  Pope  and  Confessor. 

8  A  S.  Bridget,  Widow. 

9  b  SS.  Dionysius  and  Companions,  Martyrs. 
10  c  S.  Francis  Borgia,  Confessor. 

lid  S.  Gennanus,  Bishop  and  Martyr. 

12  e  S.  Wilfrid,  Bishop  and  Confessor. 

13  f  S.  Edward,  King  of  England,  Confessor. 

14  g  S.  Callistus,  Pope  and  Martyr. 

15  A  S.  Teresa,  Virgin. 

16  b  S.  Lullus,  Bishop  of  Ments. 

17  c  S.  Hedwiges,  Widow. 

18  d  S.  Luke,  Evangelist. 

19  e  S.  Peter  of  Alcantara,  Confessor. 

20  f  S.  John  Cantius,  Confessor. 

21  g  S.  Hilarion,  Abbot. 

22  A  S.  Mark,  Bishop  of  Jerusalem,  Martyr. 

23  b  S.  Ignatius,  Bishop  of  Constantinople,  Martyr 

24  c  S.  Raphael,  Archangel. 

25  d  SS.  Chrysanthus  and  Daria,  Martyrs. 

26  e  S.  Evari'stus,  Pope  and  Martyr. 

27  f  Vigil  of  SS.  Simon  and  Jude. 

28  g  SS.  Simon  and  Jude,  Apostles. 

29  A  S.  Theodorus,  Abbot. 

30  b  S.  Serapion.  Bishop  and  Confessor. 

31  c  Vigil  of  All  Saints,  with  fast. 

On  the  1st  Sunday  of  October,  the  Feast  of  the  Holy 
Rosary  of  the  B.  V.  Mary  ;  and  on  the  3d 
Sunday,  the  Feast  of  the  Maternity  of  the 
same  B.  Virgin. 


\ 

NOVEMBER.  ] 


I    2 
3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
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20 
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30 


f  FEAST  OF  ALL  SAINTS. 

t  Commemoration-  of  all  Souls. 

t  Of  the  Octave  of  All  Saints. 

t  S.  Charles  Borromeo,  Bishop  and  Confessor. 

t  Of  the  Octave. 

t  Of  the  Octave. 

f  Of  the  Octave. 

f  Octave  of  All  Saints. 

Dedication  of  the  Lateran  Church. 

S.  Andrew  Avellino,  Confessor. 

S.  Martin,  Bishop  of  Tours. 

S.  Martin,  Pope  and  Martyr. 

S.  Didacus,  Confessor. 

S.  Stanislas  Kostka,  Confessor. 

S.  Gertrude,  Virgin. 

S.  Edmund,  Bishop  and  Confessor. 

S.  Gregory  Thaumaturgus,  Bishop. 

Dedicat.  of  the  Churches  of  SS.  Peter  8c  Paul 

S.  Elizabeth  of  Hungary,  Widow. 

S.  Felix  of  Valois,  Confessor. 

Presentation  of  the  B.  V.  Mary 

S.  Caecilia,  Virgin  and  Martyr. 

S.  Clement,  Pope  and  Martyr. 

S.  John  of  the  Cross,  Confessor. 

S.  Catharine,  Virgin  and  Martyr. 

S.  Peter,  Bishop  of  Alexandria,  and  Martyr. 

S.  Severinus,  Hermit. 

S.  Gregory  HI.,  Pope  and  Confessor. 

Vigil  of  S.  Andrew. 

S.  Andrew,  Apostle. 


On  tJie  2d  Sunday  of  Nov.  Patronage  of  the  B. 

V.  Mary. 
The  \st  Sunday  of  Adveni,  is  the  next  after  the  26th 

day  of  November. 


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31  A 


DECEMBER. 

S.  Ehgius,  Bishop  and  Confessor. 

S.  Bibiana,  Virgin  and  Martyr. 

S.  Francis  Xavier,  Confessor. 

S.  Peter  Chrysologus,  Bishop  and  Doctor. 

S.  Sabbas,  Abbot. 

S.  Nicholas,  Bishop  of  Myra. 

S.  Ambrose,  Bishop  of  Milan,  and  Doctor 

|  Conception  of  the  B.  V.  Mary. 

|  Of  the  Octave  of  the  Concept,  of  B.  V.  M. 

t  Of  the  Octave. 

f  S.  Dainasus,  Pope  and  Martyr. 

t  Of  the  Octave. 

f  S.  Lucy,  Virgin  and  Martyr. 

f  Of  the  Octave. 

f  Octave  of  the  Conception  of  the  B.V.  Mary. 

S.  Eusebius,  Bishop  and  Martyr. 

S.  Olympias,   Widow. 

Expect,  of  the  Deliv.  of  the  B.  V.  M. 

S.  Timothy,  Deacon  and  Martyr. 

Vigil  of  S.  Thomas. 

S.  Thomas,  Apostle. 

8.  hchyrion,  Martyr. 

S.  Victoria,  Virgin  and  Martyr. 

Vijil  of  the  Nativity  of  our  Lord,  with  fast. 

NATIVITY  OF  OUR  LORD. 

S.  Stephen,  first  Martyr. 

S.  John,  Apostle  and  Evangelist. 

Holy  Innocents. 

S.  Thomas,  Bishop  of  Canterbury,  Martyr. 

Of  the  Octave  of  the  Nativ.  of  our  Lord. 

S.  Sylvester,  Pope  and  Confessor. 


HOLY-DAYS  OF  OBLIGATION. 

The  Circumcision  of  our  Lord. 
The  Epiphany. 

The  Annunciation  of  the  B. Virgin. 
The  Ascension. 

Corpus  Christi,  or  the  Feast  of  the  blessed  Sacrament. 
The  Assumption  of  the  B.  Virgin. 
All  Saints. 

The  Nativity  of  our  Lord. 

N.  B.  Sundays  and  the  Feasts  which  fall  on  them,  are 
not  included  in  this  enumeration. 

FASTING  DAYS 

Fridays  in  Advent. 

Every  day  in   Lent,  Sundays  excepted. 
The  Ember  days,  which  occur  four  times  in  the  year, 
viz  : — the  Wednesdays,  Fridays  and  Saturda)rs — 

1.  Immediately  after  the  first  Sunday  in  Lent. 

2.  In  Whitsun-week. 

3.  Immediately  after  the  14th  of  September. 

4.  Immediately  after  the  third  Sunday  of  Advent. 
The  Vigils  of  Whit-Sunday. 

of  the  Assumption. 
of  All  Saints. 
of  Christmas. 
N.  B.  When  a  fasting  day  falls  upon  a  Sunday,  it  is 
kept  on  the  Saturday  preceding  that  Sunday. 

DAYS  OF  ABSTINENCE. 

All  Fridays  and  Saturdays,  except  those  Saturdays 
which  fall  between  the  25th  of  December  and  the  2d  of 
February,  inclusively,  and  all  the  Sundays  in  Lent. 
When  Christmas  falls  on  a  Friday,  abstinence  is  not  of 
precept. 

Note.— Dispensation  to  eat  fleshmeat  on  all  Saturdays  "not re- 
stricted by  a  fast,''  has  been  granted  by  his  Holiness,  Pope  Grego- 
ry XVI.,  tor  ten  years,  from"  the  221  of  June,  1833— and  subse- 
quent!}'  'N  ;\  22, 1840.)  renewed  for  twenty  years  icore. 


20  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  solemnizing  of  Marriage  is  forbidden,  from  the  first 
Sunday  of  Advent,  till  after  twelfth  day ;  and  from  the 
beginning  of  Lent,  till  Low  Sunday. 

1.  The  Catholic  Church  commands  her  children,  upon 
Sundays  and  Holy-days,  to  be  present  at  the  great  Eucha- 
ristical  sacrifice,  which  we  call  the  Mass,  to  rest  from  ser- 
vile work  on  those  days,  and  to  keep  them  holy. 

2.  She  commands  them  to  abstain  from  fle3h  on  all 
days  of  fasting  and  abstinence;  and  on  fasting  days  to  eat 
but  one  meal. 

3.  S.e  commands  them  to  confess  their  sins  to  their 
pastors,  at  least  once  a  year. 

4.  She  commands  them  to  receive  the  blessed  sacrament 
at  least  once  a  year,  and  that  at  Easter,  or  at  least  between 
the  first  Sunday  in  Lent  and  Trinity  Sunday. 

5.  To  contribute  to  the  support  of  our  Pastors. 

G.  Not  to  solemnize  marriage  at  the  forbidden  times, 
nor  to  marry  persons  within  the  forbidden  degree  of  kin- 
dred, or  otherwise  prohibited  by  the  Church. 

The  fourth  council  of  Lateral,  Can.  21,  ordains, 
"That  every  one  of  the  faithful  of  both  sexes,  after  they 
come  to  the  years  of  discretion,  shall  in  private  faithfully 
confess  all  their  sins,  at  least  once  a  year,  to  their  own 
pastor ;  and  take  care  to  fulfil,  to  the  best  of  their  power, 
the  penance  enjoined  them ;  receiving  reverently,  at 
least  at  Easter,  the  sacrament  of  the  Eucharist,  unless, 
perhaps,  by  the  counsel  of  their  own  pastor,  for  some 
reasonable  cause,  they  judge  proper  to  abstain  from  it 
for  a  time :  otherwise  let  them  be  excluded  out  of  the 
church  whilst  living-,  and  when  they  die  be  deprived  ef 
Christian  burial." 


CHRISTIAN  DOCTRINE; 

on, 
J2  Summary  of  Christian  Faith  and  Morality. 


"WHAT    EVERY  CHRISTIAN  MUST  BELIEVE. 

1.  Evert  christian  must  believe  that  there  is  one 
God,  and  no  more  than  one  God:  that  this  God  is  a 
pure  Spirit,  the  Lord  and  Maker  of  heaven  and  earth, 
who  has  neither  beginning-  nor  end,  but  is  always  the 
same;  is  every  where  present;  knows  and  sees  all 
things;  can  do  all  things  whatsoever  he  pleases;  and 
is  infinite  in  all  perfections. 

2.  Every  christian  is  bound  to  believe,  that  in  this 
one  God  there  are  three  distinct  persons,  perfectly 
equal,  and  of  the  same  substance;  the  Father,  who 
proceeds  from  no  one;  the  Son,  who  is  born  of  the 
Father  before  all  ages;  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  who  pro- 
ceeds eternally  from  the  Father  and  the  Son:  and  that 
these  three  persons  have  all  the  same  intelligence, 
the  same  power,  the  same  wisdom,  and  are  all  three 
one  and  the  same  Lord,  one  and  the  same  God. 

3.  We  must  also  believe,  that  this  God  created  the 
Angels  to  be  with  him  for  ever;  and  that  one  part  of 
them  fell  from  God  by  sin,  and  became  devils:  that 
God  also  created  Adam  and  Eve,  the  first  parents  of 
all  mankind,  and  placed  them  in  the  earthly  paradise, 


T2  CHRISTIAN  DOCTRINE. 

from  whence  they  were  justly  banished,  for  the  sin 
they  committed  in  eating-  of  the  fruit  of  the  forbidden 
tree:  and  that  by  this  transgression  of  Adam,  we  are 
all  born  in  sin,  and  must  have  been  lost  for  ever,  if 
God  had  not  sent  us  a  Saviour. 

4.  We  are  bound  to  believe  in  this  Saviour  of  all 
mankind,  Jesus  Christ,  the  Son  of  God,  true  God, 
and  true  man;  perfect  God  from  all  eternity,  equal  to 
his  father  in  all  thing's;  and  perfect  man,  from  the 
time  of  his  coming"  down  from  heaven  for  us,  having 
a  body  and  soul  like  us. 

■5.  We  must  believe,  that  this  Jesus  Christ,  our  Sa- 
viour, who  had  been  long-  foretold  by  the  prophets, 
was,  at  God's  appointed  time,  conceived  in  the  womb 
of  the  Virg-in  Mary,  by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
without  having-  any  man  for  his  father,  and  was  born 
of  her,  she  still  remaining-  a  pure  virg-in;  that  during 
the  time  of  his  mortal  life  he  founded  the  Christian 
religion,  by  his  heavenly  doctrine,  and  wonderful 
miracles,  and  then  offered  himself  a  sacrifice  for  the 
sins  of  the  whole  world,  by  dying-  upon  a  cross  to 
purchase  mercy,  grace,  and  salvation  for  us;  and  that 
neither  mercy,  nor  grace,  nor  salvation,  ever  could, 
since  Adam's  fall,  be  obtained  any  otherwise,  thar 
throug-h  this  death  and  passion  of  the  Son  of  God. 

6.  We  must  believe,  that  Jesus  Christ,  after  he  had 
been  dead,  rose  ag-ain  on  the  third  day  from  death  to 
life,  never  to  die  any  more;  and  that,  for  the  space 
of  forty  days,  he  was  pleased,  at  different  times,  to 
manifest  himself  to  his  disciples,  and  then  ascended 
into  heaven  in  their  sig-ht;  where,  as  man,  he  contin- 
ually intercedes  for  us.  From  thence  he  sent  down 
the  Holy  Ghost  upon  his  disciples,  to  abide  with  them 


CHRISTIAN  DOCTRINE.  23 

for  ever,  as  lie  had  promised,  and  to  guide  them  and 
their  successors  into  all  truth. 

7.  We  must  believe  the  Catholic  or  universal  Church, 
of  which  Christ  is  the  perpetual  head,  and  his  Spirit 
the  perpetual  director;  which  is  founded  upon  a  rock, 
and  is  ever  victorious  over  all  the  powers  of  deatli  and 
hell.  This  Church  is  always  one,  because  all  its  mem- 
bers profess  one  f:iith,  live  in  one  communion,  under 
one  chief  pastor,  the  successor  of  St.  Reter,  to  whom 
Christ  committed  his  whole  flock,  St.  John  xxi.  15, 
16,  17.  This  same  Church  is  always  holy,  by  teach- 
ing- a  holy  doctrine,  by  inviting  all  to  a  holy  life,  and 
by  the  eminent  holiness  of  many  of  her  children.  She 
is  Catholic,  or  universal,  by  subsisting"  in  all  ages,  by 
teaching"  all  nations,  and  maintaining  all  truths:  she 
is  Apostolical,  by  deriving"  her  doctrine,  her  commu- 
nion, her  orders,  and  her  mission,  by  an  uninterrupted 
succession,  from  the  apostles  of  Christ. 

8.  "With  this  Catholic  church  the  scriptures  both  of 
the  Old  and  New  Testament  were  deposited  by  the 
apostles.  She  is,  in  her  pastors,  the  guardian  and 
interpreter  of  them.  These  scriptures,  thus  inter- 
preted, together  with  the  traditions  of  the  apostles, 
are  to  be  received  and  admitted  by  all  christians  for 
the  rule  of  their  faith  and  practice. 

9.  We  must  believe,  that  Jesus  Christ  has  instituted 
in  his  church  seven  sacraments,  or  mysterious  signs, 
and  instrumental  causes  of  divine  g-race  in  our  souls 
Baptism,  by  way  of  a  new  birth,  by  which  we  are 
made  children  of  God,  and  washed  from  sin.  Confir- 
mation, by  which  we  receive  the  Holy  Ghost  by  the 
impositions  of  the  hands  of  the  successors  of  the  apos- 
tles. Acts  viii.    The  blessed  Eucharist,  which  feeds  and 


'24  CHRISTIAN  DOCTRINE. 

nourishes  our  souls  with  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ, 
really  present,  under  the  forms  of  bread  and  wine,  or 
under  either  of  them.  Penance,  by  which  penitent 
sinners  are  absolved  from  their  sins,  by  virtue  of  the 
commission  given  by  Christ  to  his  ministers.  St.  John 
xx.  and  St.  Matt,  xviii.  Extreme  unction,  which  effaces 
the  remaining"  stains  of  sin,  and  arms  the  soul  with  the 
grace  of  God  in  the  time  of  sickness.  St.  James  v 
Holy  orders,  by  which  the  ministers  of  God  are  conse- 
crated. And  Matrimony,  which,  as  a  sacred  sign  of  the 
indissoluble  union  of  Christ  and  his  church,  unites  the 
married  couple  in  a  holy  band,  and  imparts  a  grace  to 
them,  suitable  to  that  state.  Eph.  v. 

10.  We  must  believe,  that  Jesus  Christ  has  also  in 
stitutedthe  great  eucharistical  sacrifice  of  his  body  and 
blood,  in  remembrance  of  his  death  and  passion.  In 
this  sacrifice  he  is  mystically  immolated  every  day 
upon  our  altars,  being"  himself  both  priest  and  victim. 
This  sacrifice  is  the  principal  worship  of  the  new  law, 
in  which,  and  by  which,  we  unite  ourselves  to  Jesus 
Christ,  and  with  him,  and  through  him,  we  adore  God 
in  spirit  and  truth,  give  him  thanks  for  all  his  blessings, 
obtain  his  grace  for  ourselves  and  our  neighbours,  par- 
don for  all  our  sins,  and  eternal  rest  for  the  faithful 
departed. 

11.  We  must  believe,  that  there  is  in  the  catholic 
or  universal  church  of  God,  a  communion  ofsaitits,  by 
means  of  which  we  communicate  with  all  holy  per- 
sons, and  m  all  holy  things.  We  communicate  with 
the  saints  in  heaven,  as  our  fellow  members  under 
the  same  head,  Jesus  Christ;  we  give  thanks  to  God 
for  his  gifts  to  them;  and  we  beg  a  share  in  their 
prayers.     We  communicate  with  all  the  saints  uoon 


CHRISTIAN  DOCTRINE.  25 

earth,  in  the  same  sacraments,  and  sacrifice,  and  in  a 
holy  union  of  faith,  and  charity.  And  we  communi- 
cate with  the  faithful,  who  have  departed  this  life  in 
a  more  imperfect  state,  and  who  by  the  law  of  God's 
justice,  are  for  a  while  in  a  place  of  suffering",  by  of- 
fering' prayers,  alms,  and  sacrifice  to  God  for  them. 

12.  We  must  believe  also  the  necessity  of  divine 
grace,  without  which  we  cannot  make  so  much  as  one 
step  towards  heaven;  and  that  all  our  good,  and  all 
our  merits  are  the  gifts  of  God;  that  Christ  died  for 
all  men;  that  God  is  not  the  author  of  sin;  and  that 
his  grace  does  not  take  away  our  free  will. 

13.  We  must  believe  that  Jesus  Christ  will  come 
from  heaven,  at  the  last  day,  to  judge  us  all:  that  all 
the  dead,  both  good  and  bad,  shall  rise  from  their 
gTaves  at  the  sound  of  the  last  trumpet,  and  shall  be 
judged  by  him  according"  to  their  works:  that  the 
good  shall  go  to  heaven,  with  him,  body  and  soul, 
to  be  happy  for  all  eternity,  in  the  enjoyment  of  the 
sovereign  good;  and  that  the  wicked  shall  be  con- 
demned, both  body  and  soul,  to  the  torments  of  hell, 
which  are  most  grievous  and  everlasting. 

WHAT  EVEHT   CHRISTIAN"    MUST  DO,    IX  ORDER    TO  LIFE 
EVERLASTING. 

If  thou  wilt  enter  into  life,  keep  the  commandments. 

St.  Matt.  xix.  17. 

1.  Evedy  christian,  in  order  to  obtain  life  everlast- 
ing, must  worship  God,  as  his  first  beginning,  and 
last  end.  Tliis  worship  is  to  be  performed,  1*/.  by 
Faith,  which  makes,  both  the  understanding  and  the 
will,  humbly  adore  and  embrace  all  those  truths  which 


26  CHRISTIAN  DOCTRINE. 

Go«l  has  taught,  however  obscure  and  incomprehen- 
sible they  may  be  to  our  weakness.  2dly,  By  Hope, 
which  relies  on  the  infinite  power,  goodness,  and 
mercy  of  God,  and  the  truth  of  his  promises;  and  up 
on  these  grounds  the  soul  rises  to  an  assured  expect 
ation  of  mercy,  grace  and  salvation,  through  the  mer- 
its of  Jesus  Christ,  odly,  By  Charity,  which  teaches 
us  to  love  God  with  our  whole  hearts,  for  his  own 
sake,  and  our  neighbour  as  ourselves,  for  God's  sake. 
fyhly,  By  the  virtue  of  religion,  the  chief  acts  of 
which  are  adoration,  praise,  thanksgiving,  oblation  of 
ourselves  to  God,  sacrifice  and  prayer,  which  ought 
to  be  the  daily  employments  of  a  christian  soul. 

2.  We  must  fly  all  idolatry,  all  false  religion,  and 
superstition;  under  which  name  are  comprehended 
all  manner  of  divinations,  or  pretensions  to  fortune, 
telling;  all  witchcraft,  charms,  spells,  observations  of 
omens,  dreams,  &.c.  All  these  things  are  heathenish 
and  contrary  to  the  worship  of  the  true  and  living 
God,  and  to  that  dependence  a  christian  soid  ought 
to  have  on  him. 

3.  We  must  reverence  the  name  of  God  and  his 
truth,  by  a  religious  observance  of  all  lawful  oaths 
and  vows,  and  by  carefully  avoiding  all  false,  rash, 
unjust  or  blasphemous  oaths  and  curses. 

4.  We  must  dedicate  some  notable  part  of  our 
time  to  his  divine  service;  and  more  especially  con- 
secrate to  him  those  days  which  he  has  ordered  to  be 
sanctified,  or  kept  holy. 

5.  Under  God,  we  must  love,  reverence,  and  obey 
om-  parents,  and  other  lawful  superiors,  spiritual  and 
temporal,  and  observe  the  laws  of  the  chinch  and 
state.  We  must  have  a  due  care  of  our  children,  and 


CHRISTIAN  DOCTRINE.  27 

of  others,  that  are  under  our  charge,  both  as  to  their 
soul  and  body. 

6.  We  must  abstain  from  all  injuries  to  our  neigh- 
bour's person,  by  murder,  or  any  other  violence?  and 
from  all  hatred,  envy,  and  desire  of  revenge;  also 
from  spiritual  murder,  which  is  committed,  by  draw- 
ing him  into  sin,  by  words,  actions,  or  ill  example. 

7.  We  must  abstain  from  adultery,  and  from  all  un- 
cleanness  of  thoughts,  words,  and  actions,  beyond  the 
law -ful  use  of  marriage* 

8.  We  must  not  steal,  cheat,  or  any  other  way  wrong 
our  neighbour  in  his  goods  and  possessions.  We  must 
give  every  one  his  own,  pay  our  debts,  and  make  res- 
titution for  all  unjust  damages,  which  we  have  caused. 

9.  We  must  not  wrong  our  neighbour  in  his  charac- 
ter or  good  name,  by  detraction  or  rash  judgments; 
or  in  his  honour,  by  reproaches  and  affronts;  or  rob 
him  of  the  peace  of  his  mind,  by  scoffs  or  contempt; 
or  of  his  friends,  by  carrying  stones  backwards  and 
forwards:  in  all  which  cases,  whosoever  wrongs  his 
neighbour  is  obliged  to  make  restitution  or  satisfac- 
tion. 

10.  As  we  are  commanded  to  abstain  from  all  deeds 
of  lust  and  injustice,  so  are  we  also  strictly  obliged  to 
restrain  all  desires  of  them,  and  to  resist  the  irregu- 
lar motions  of  concupiscence.  So  far  the  ten  com- 
mandments, which  are  a  short  abridgement  of  the 
whole  eternal  and  natural  law,  which  admits  of  no 
dispensation. 

GOSPEL  LESSONS  TO  BE  PONDKRK1)  AT  LEISU11E,  KY  EVEHY 
CIIRISTIAX  SOUL. 

Ehter  ye  in  at  the  narrow  gate;  for  wide  is  the  gate, 
and  broad  is  the  way,  that  leadeth  to  destruction,  and 


28  CHRISTIAN  DOCTRINE. 

many  there  are,  who  go  in  thereat.  How  narrow 
is  the  gate,  and  straight  the  way,  that  leadetn  to  life, 
and  few  there  are  that  find  it!  St.  Matt.  vii.  13,  14. 
Many  are  called  but  few  chosen.  St.  Matt.  xx.  16. 
Not  every  one  that  saith  to  me,  Lord!  Lord!  shall 
enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven;  but  he  that  doetli 
the  will  of  my  father,  who  is  in  heaven.  St.  Malt.  >  ii. 
21.  What  doth  it  profit  a  man,  if  he  gain  the  whole 
world,  and  lose  his  own  soul?  Or,  what  shall  a  man 
give,  in  exchange  for  his  soul?  St.  Matt.  xvi.  26.  One 
thing  is  necessary.  St.  Luke,  x.  41.  He  thatloveth 
father  or  mother  more  than  me,  is  not  worthy  of  me: 
and  he  that  loveth  son  or  daughter  more  than  me  is 
not  worthy  of  me.  And  he,  that  taketh  not  up  his 
cross,  and  followeth  after  me,  is  not  worthy  of  me.  St. 
Matt.  x.  37,  38. 

Whosoever  shall  deny  me  before  men,  I  will  also 
deny  him  before  my  father,  who  is  in  heaven.  St.  Matt. 
x.  33.  Whosoever  shall  be  ashamed  of  me,  and  of 
my  words,  in  this  adulterous  and  sinful  generation,  the 
Son  of  man  shall  also  be  ashamed  of  him,  when  he 
shall  come  in  the  glory  of  his  Father,  with  the  holy 
angels.  St.  Mark,  viii.  38.  Fear  not  those,  who  kill 
the  body,  and  are  not  able  to  kill  the  soul:  but  rather 
fear  him,  who  can  destroy  both  soul  and  body  in  hell. 
St.  Matt.  x.  10,  28.  He  that  loveth  his  life,  shall  lose 
it;  and  he  that  hateth  his  life  in  this  world,  keepeth  it 
unto  life  eternal.  St.  John,  xii.  25.  If  any  man  will 
come  after  me,  let  him  deny  himself,  and  take  up  his 
cross,  and  follow  me.  St.  Matt.  xvi.  24.  Every  one  of 
you,  who  doth  not  renounce  all  that  he  possesseth, 
cannot  be  my  disciple.  St.  Luke,  xiv.  33. 

If  any  man  come  to  me,  and  hate  not  his  father  and 


CHRISTIAN  IiOCTRINE.  29 

mother,  and  wife  and  children,  and  brethren  and  sis- 
ters, yea,  and  his  own  life  also,  he  cannot  be  my  disci- 
ple. And  whosoever  doth  not  carry  his  cross,  and 
come  after  me,  cannot  be  my  disciple.  St.  Luke,  xir. 
26,  27.  The  friendship  of  this  world  is  the  enmity  of 
God.  Whosoever  therefore  will  be  a  friend  of  thi9 
world,  becometh  an  enemy  of  God.  St.  James,  iv.  4. 
Love  not  the  world,  nor  the  thing's  that  are  in  the 
world.  If  any  man  love  the  world,  the  charity  of  the 
Father  is  not  in  him.  For  all  that  is  in  the  world,  is 
the  concupiscence  of  the  flesh,  the  concupiscence  of 
the  eyes,  and  the  pride  of  life,  which  is  not  of  the 
Father,  but  is  of  the  world.  And  the  world  passeth 
away,  and  the  concupiscence  thereof:  but  he,  that 
doth  the  will  of  God,  abideth  fcr  ever.  1  St.  John,  ii. 
15,  16,  17. 

Unless  you  be  converted,  and  become  as  little  chil- 
dren, you  shall  not  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven, 
St.  Matt,  xviii.  3.  Blessed  are  the  poor  in  spirit,  for 
theirs  is  the  king-dom  of  heaven.  Blessed  are  the 
meek,  for  they  shall  possess  the  land.  Blessed  are 
they  that  mourn,  for  they  shall  be  comforted.  Matt.  v. 
3,  4,  5.  Come  to  me  all  you  that  labour,  and  are  heavy 
laden,  and  I  will  refresh  you.  Take  up  my  yoke  upon 
you,  and  learn  of  me,  because  I  am  meek  and  humble 
of  heart;  and  you  shall  find  rest  to  your  souls.  For 
my  yoke  is  sweet,  and  my  burden  light  St  Matt.  xi. 
28,  29,  30. 

Whosoever  shall  exalt  himself,  shall  be  humbled; 
and  he  that  shall  humble  himself,  shall  be  exalted.  St 
Matt,  xxiii.  12.  God  resisteth  the  proud,  but  to  the 
humble  he  giveth  grace.    St.  Peter,  v.  5. 

Take  heed,  that  you  do  not  your  justice  before  men, 


30  CHRISTIAN  DOCTRINE. 

to  be  seen  by  them;  otherwise  you  shall  not  have  a 
reward  of  your  Father,  who  is  in  heaven.  St.  Mutt.  vi. 
I.  No  man  can  serve  two  masters. — You  cannot  serve 
God  and  mammon.  St.  Matt.  vi.  24.  Lay  not  up  for 
yourselves  treasures  on  earth,  where  the  rust  and 
moth  consume,  and  where  thieves  break  through  and 
steal.  But  lay  up  for  yourselves  treasures  in  heaven, 
6cc.  St.  Matt.  vi.  19,  20.  Seek  ye  therefore  first  the 
kingdom  of  God,  and  his  justice;  and  all  these  things 
shall  be  added  unto  you.  St.  Matt.  vi.  33. 

If  you  live  according*  to  the  flesh,  you  shall  die;  but 
tf  by  the  spirit  you  mortify  the  deeds  of  the  flesh,  yon 
shall  live.  Rom.  viii.  13.  Neither  fornicators,  nor 
idolaters,  nor  adulterers,  nor  the  effeminate,  nor  liers 
with  mankind — nor  thieves,  nor  covetous,  nor  drunk- 
ards, nor  revilers,  nor  extortioners,  shall  possess  the 
kingdom  of  God.  1  Cor.  vi.  9,  10.  If  any  man  violate 
the  temple  of  God,  him  shall  God  destroy;  for  the 
temple  of  God  is  holy,  which  temple  you  are.  1  Cor. 
ill.  17.  Whosoever  looketh  on  a  woman,  to  lust  after 
her,  hath  already  committed  adultery  with  her  in  his 
heart.  St.  Matt.  v.  25.  If  thy  right  eye  cause  thee 
to  offend,  pluck  it  out  and  cast  it  from  thee. — And  if 
thy  right  hand  cause  thee  to  offend,  cut  it  off  and  cast 
it  from  thee;  for  it  is  better  for  thee,  that  one  of  thy 
members  should  perish,  than  that  thy  whole  body 
should  go  into  hell.     St.  Matt.  v.  29,  30. 

If  you  will  not  forgive  men,  neither  will  your  Fa- 
ther forgive  you  your  offences.  St.  Matt.  vi.  15.  Love 
your  enemies:  do  good  to  them  that  hate  you;  and 
pray  for  them  that  persecute  and  calumniate  you. 
that  you  may  be  the  children  of  your  Father,  who  i> 
In  heaven.  St.  Matt.  v.  44,  45.  I  give  you  a  new  corr>. 


CHRISTIAN  DOCTRINE.  31 

mandment,  that  you  love  one  another,  as  I  have  loved 
you.  John,  xiii.  34.  If  I  speak  with  tongues  of  men 
and  of  angels,  and  have  not  charity,  I  am  become  as 
sounding'  brass,  or  a  tinkling"  cymbal:  and  if  I  should 
have  prophecy,  and  should  know  all  mysteries,  and 
all  knowledge,  and  if  I  should  have  all  faith,  so  that  I 
coidd  remove  mountains,  and  have  not  charity,  I  am 
nothing".  And  if  I  should  distribute  all  my  goods  to 
feed  the  poor,  and  if  I  should  deliver  my  body  to  be 
burned,  and  have  not  charity,  it  profiteth  me  nothing". 
1  Cor.  xiii.  1,  2,  3.  Render  to  no  man  evil  for  evil. 
If  it  be  possible,  as  much  as  in  you,  have  peace  with 
all  men — Revenge  not  yourselves,  &c.  Be  not  over- 
come by  evil;  but  overcome  evil  with  good.  Rom.  xii. 
17,  18,  19,  21.  Let  not  the  sun  go  down  upon  your 
anger.    Eph.  iv.  26. 

Through  many  tribulations,  we  must  enter  into  the 
kingdom  of  God.  Ads,  xiv.  21.  All  that  will  live 
godly  in  Christ  Jesus,  shall  suffer  persecution.  2  Tim. 
di.  12.  In  your  patience  ye  shall  possess  your  souls. 
St.  Lithe,  xxi.  19.  Whatsoever  you  would  that  men 
should  do  to  you,  do  you  also  to  them.  St.  Matt.  vii.  12. 
Take  heed  to  yourselves,  lest  perhaps  your  hearts  be 
overcharged  with  surfeiting  and  drunkenness,  and  the 
cares  of  this  life;  and  that  day  come  upon  you  sud- 
denly. St.  Luke,  xxi.  34.  Be  ye  therefore  perfect,  as 
also  your  heavenly  Father  is  perfect.  St.  Matt.  v.  48. 

Ask,  and  it  shall  be  given  you;  seek,  and  you  shall 
find;  knock,  and  it.  shall  be  opened  unto  you.  St.  Matt. 
vii.  7.  If  you  r.sk  die  Father  any  thing"  in  my  name, 
he  will  ijivt  it  you.  St.  John,  xvi.  23.  Let  him  thai 
thinketh  lunwelf  to  stand,  take  heed  lest  he  fall.  1  Cor. 
X.  12.     Watch  yt,  tnere fore;  because  ye  know  not  at 


32  CHRISTIAN  DOCTRINE. 

what  hour  your  Lord  will  come.  Be  you  also  ready; 
because  you  know  not  at  what  hour  the  Son  of  Man 
will  come.  St.  Matt.  xxvi.  42.  Whether  you  eat  or 
drink,  or  whatsoever  else  you  do,  do  all,  to  the  glory 
of  God.  1  Cor.  x.  31.  We  brought  nodiing  into  this 
world;  and  certainly  we  can  cany  nothing'  out.  But 
having"  food,  and  wherewith  to  be  covered,  with  these 
let  us  be  content.  For  they  that  will  become  rich, 
fall  into  temptation,  and  into  the  snare  of  the  devil, 
and  into  many  unprofitable  and  hurtful  desires,  which 
drown  men  in  destruction  and  perdition.  For  covet- 
ousness  is  the  root  of  all  evils.  1  Tim.  vi.  7,  8,  9,  10. 
Every  tree  that  bringeth  not  forth  good  fruit,  shall 
be  cut  down,  and  shall  be  cast  into  the  fire.  St.  Matt. 
vii.  19.  Except  you  do  penance,  you  shall  all  likewise 
perish.  St.  Luke,  xiii.  5.  He  that  will  persevere  to  the 
end,  shall  be  saved.  St.  Matt.  xxiv.  13.  Be  thou  faith- 
ful until  death;  and  I  will  give  thee  the  crown  of  life. 
Rev.  ii.  10.  It  is  a  fearful  thing  to  fall  into  the  hands 
of  the  living  God.  Heb.  x.  31.  Behold,  I  come  quick- 
ly; and  my  reward  is  with  me,  to  render  to  every  man 
according"  to  his  works.   Rev.  xxii.  12. 


MORNING  EXERCISE. 


I  will  sing  thy  strength,  and  will  extol  thy  mercy  in  the  mornitg, 
for  thou  art  become  my  support,  and  my  refuge,  in  the  day  of  my 
trouble.—  Ps.  lviii.  17. 


AT  awaking  in  the  morning,  say:  0  my 
God!  my  only  good!  the  author  of  my  being 
and  my  last  end!  I  give  thee  my  heart.  Praise, 
honour,  and  glory  be  to  thee  for  ever  and  ever. 
Amen. 

At  rising  up,  say:  In  the  name  of  the  Fa- 
ther, and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
Amen. 

I  will  raise  myself  up  from  this  bed  of  sleep, 
to  adore  my  God;  and  to  labour  for  the  sal- 
vation of  my  soul.  0!  may  I  rise  on  the  last 
day,  unto  life  everlasting! 

Wlien  clothed,  kneel  down  and  say:  In  the 
name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of 
the  Holy  Ghost.     Amen. 

Blessed  be  the  holy  and  undivided  Trinity 
now,  and  for  ever  more.  Holy,  Holy,  Holy 
Lord  God  of  hosts!  The  earth  is  full  of  thy 
Glory.  Glory  be  to  the  Father!  Glory  be  to 
the  Son!  Glory  be  to  the  Holy  Ghost! 


34  MORNING  EXERCISE. 

Act  of  Adoration, 

O  great  God!  the  Sovereign  Lord  of  hea- 
ven and  earth!  I  prostrate  myself  before  thee. 
With  all  the  Angels  and  Saints  T  adore  thee 
I  acknowledge  thee  to  be  my  Creator  and 
Sovereign  Lord,  my  first  beginning,  and  last 
end.  I  render  to  thee  the  homage  of  my  be- 
ing and  life.  I  submit  myself  to  thy  holy  will, 
and  I  devote  myself  to  thy  divine  service  this 
day  and  for  ever. 

An  act  of  Faith. 

O  my  God!  I  firmly  believe  all  the  sacred 
truths,  which  thy  holy  Catholic  Church  be- 
lieves and  teaches;  because  thou  hast  reveal- 
ed them,  who  canst  neither  deceive,  nor  be 
deceived. 

An  act  of  Hope. 
O  my  God!  relying  on  thy  infinite  goodness 
and  promises,  I  hope  to  obtain  the  pardon  of 
my  sins,  the  assistance  of  thy  grace,  and  life 
everlasting;  through  the  merits  of  Jesus  Christ, 
my  Lord,  and  Redeemer. 

An  act  of  Love. 
O  my  God!  I  love  thee  above  all  things  with 
my  whole  heart  and  soul,  because  thou  art 
infinitely  amiable,  and  deserving  of  all  love. 
I  love  also  my  neighbour  as  myself  for  the 
love  of  thee.  I  forgive  all  who  have  injured 
me,  and  ask  pardon  of  all,  whom  I  have  injured. 


MORNING  EXERCISE.  35 

An  act  of  Tlianks  giving. 

O  glorious  Trinity!  I  praise  thee  and 
give  thee  thanks  for  the  numberless  benefits 
thou  hast  bestowed  upon  me.  I  thank  thee, 
O  heavenly  Father!  for  having  created  me  to 
thy  own  image  and  likeness,  and  for  having 
preserved  me  to  this  day.  I  thank  thee,  O 
merciful  Son!  for  having  redeemed  me  by  thy 
death,  and  so  often  fed  me  with  thy  precious 
body  and  blood.  I  thank  thee,  O  holy  Spirit! 
for  having  cleansed  my  soul  by  thy  grace  in 
holy  Baptism,  for  having  called  me  to  the  true 
faith,  and  so  often  washed  me  from  my  sins 
in  the  sacrament  of  penance.  I  thank  thee, 
O  most  bountiful  God!  for  having  preserved 
me  this  night  and  for  granting  me  this  day  to 
serve  thee.  I  earnestly  invite  all  the  Saints 
of  heaven  and  earth,  to  join  with  me  in  praise 
and  thanksgiving  for  thy  infinite  goodness. 

Pause  a  while  and  foresee  the  sins  you  are 
most  subject  to;  and  firmly  resolve  to  avoid 
them. 

An  act  of  Contrition. 

0  my  God!  I  am  most  heartily  sorry  for  all 
my  sins,  and  I  detest  them  above  all  things 
from  the  bottom  of  my  heart,  because  they 
displease  thee,  my  God,  who  art  most  deserv- 
ing of  all  my  love  for  thy  most  amiable  and 
adorable  perfections;  and  I  firmly  propose,  by 
thy  holy  grace,  never  more  to  offend  thee,  and 
to  do  all  that  I  can  to  atone  for  my  sins. 


36  MORNING  EXERCISE. 

A  resolution  to  avoid  evil  and  to  do  good. 

Adorable  Jesus!  Divine  Model  of  that  per 
fection,  to  which  we  should  all  aspire!  I  will 
endeavour,  this  day,  to  follow  thy  example;  to 
be  mild,  humble,  chaste,  zealous,  patient, 
charitable  and  resigned.  Incline  my  heart  to 
keep  thy  commandments.  I  am  resolved  to 
watch  over  myself  with  the  greatest  diligence, 
and  to  live  soberly,  justly  and  piously,  for  the 
time  to  come.  I  will  take  care  of  my  ways, 
that  I  may  not  offend  with  my  tongue.  I  will 
turn  away  my  eyes,  that  they  may  not  see 
vanity;  and  I  will  be  particularly  attentive 
not  to  relapse  this  day,  into  my  accustomed 
failings,  but  to  struggle  against  them  with  thy 
gracious  assistance.  Enlighten  my  mind,  pu- 
rify my  heart,  and  guide  my  steps,  that  I  may 
pass  all  my  life  in  thy  divine  service.  Amen. 

Offer  yourself  without  reserve  to  God. 

O  LORD!  I  offer  thee  my  whole  being,  and 
particularly  all  my  thoughts,  words,  and  ac- 
tions of  this  day,  together  with  all  the  crosses 
and  contradictions,  I  may  meet  with,  in  the 
course  of  it.  I  consecrate  them  entirely  to 
the  glory  of  thy  name,  in  union  with  those 
of  Jesus  Christ,  my  Saviour,  that  through  his 
infinite  merits,  they  may  all  find  acceptance. 
Give  them,  O  Lord!  a  blessing.  May  thy 
divine  love  animate  them;  and  may  they  all 
tend  to  the  greater  honour  of  thy  Sovereign 
Majesty.    Amen. 


MORNING  EXERCISE.  37 

Implore  the  necessary  graces. 
Thou  knowest,  O  God!  my  weakness;  that 
I  am  poor  and  destitute;  that  1  cannot  do, 
that  I  cannot  even  think  of  any  good  without 
thee.  Rise  up,  then,  to  help  me;  strengthen 
me  with  thy  grace,  that  I  may  fervently  exe- 
cute what  I  have  firmly  resolved,  and  not  on- 
ly avoid  all  the  evil,  thou  forbiddest,  but  also 
perform  all  the  good,  thou  commandest. 

T7ie  Lord's  prayer. 
Our  Father,  who  art  in  Heaven!  hallowed 
by  thy  name;  thy  kingdom  come;  thy  will  be 
done  on  earth,  as  it  is  in  heaven.  Give  us 
this  day  our  daily  bread;  and  forgive  us  our 
trespasses,  as  we  forgive  them,  who  trespass 
against  us.  xVnd  lead  us  not  into  temptation; 
but  deliver  us  from  evil.     Jlmen. 

The  angelical  salutation. 
Hail  Mary,  full  of  grace!  the  Lord  is  with 
thee;  blessed  art  thou  amongst  women,  and- 
blessed  is  the  fruit  of  thy  womb,  Jesus.  Holy 
Mary,  Mother  of  God!  pray  for  us  sinners* 
now,  and  at  the  hour  of  our  death.     Amen. 

The  apostle's  creed. 
I  believe  in  God,  the  Father  Almighty, 
Creator  of  heaven  and  earth,  and  in  Jesus- 
Christ,  his  only  Son,  our  Lord;  who  was  con- 
ceived by  the  Holy  Ghost,  born  of  the  Virgin 
Mary,  suffered  under  Pontius  Pilate,  was  cru- 
cified, dead  and  buried;  he  descended  into 
4 


38  MORNING  EXERCISE. 

hell,  the  third  day  he  rose  again  from  the 
dead;  he  ascended  into  heaven,  and  sitteth  at 
the  right  hand  of  God  the  Father  Almighty; 
from  thence  he  shall  come  to  judge  the  living, 
and  the  dead.  I  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost; 
the  holy  Catholic  Church;  the  communion  of 
Saints;  the  forgiveness  of  sins;  the  resur- 
rection of  the  body,  and  life  everlasting. 
Amen. 

The  Conjiteor. 

I  confess  to  Almighty  God,  to  blessed  Ma- 
ry ever  Virgin,  to  blessed  Michael  the  Arch- 
angel, to  blessed  John  the  Baptist,  to  the  holy 
Apostles  Peter  and  Paul,  and  to  all  the  Saints, 
that  I  have  sinned  exceedingly  in  thought, 
word,  and  deed,  through  my  fault,  through 
my  fault,  through  my  most  grievous  fault. 
Therefore  I  beseech  the  blessed  Mary  ever 
Virgin,  the  blessed  Michael  the  Archangel, 
the  blessed  John  the  Baptist,  the  holy  Apos- 
tles Peter  and  Paul,  and  all  the  Saints,  to  pray 
to  the  Lord,  our  God,  for  me. 

May  the  Almighty  God  have  mercy  on  me, 
forgive  me  my  sins,  and  bring  me  to  everlast- 
ing life!     Amen. 

May  the  Almighty  and  merciful  Lord  give 
rne  pardon,  absolution,  and  remission  of  all 
my  sins!     Amen. 

Invoke  the  blessed  Virgin,  your  angel  guar- 
dian,  and  your  patron  saint. 

O  holy  Virgin,  Mother  of  God!  my  advo- 
cate and  patroness!  pray  for  thy  poor  servant; 


MORNING  F.XERCISE.  39 

show  thvsclf  a  mother  to  me.  And  thou,  0 
blessed  Spirit!  whom  God  in  his  mercy  hath 
appointed  to  watch  over  me,  intercede  for  me 
this  day,  that  I  may  not  stray  from  the  path 
of  virtue.  Thou  also,  O  happy  Saint!  whose 
name  I  bear,  pray  for  me,  that  I  may  serve 
God  faithfully  in  this  life,  as  th<Q  hast  done, 
and  glorify  him  eternally  with  thee  in  heaven. 
Amen. 

THE  LITAXT  OF  THE  HOLY  NAME  OF  JESU8. 

Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 
Christ!  have  mercy  on  us. 
Lord !  have  mercy  on  us. 
Christ!  hear  us. 
Christ!  graciously  hear  us. 
God,  the  Father  of  heaven! 
God  the  Son,  Redeemer  of  the  world! 
God  the  Holy  Ghost! 
Holy  Trinity,  one  God! 
Jesus,  son  of  the  living1  God! 
Jesus,  splendour  of  the  Father! 
Jesus,  brightness  of  eternal  light! 
Jesus,  king  of  glory! 
Jesus,  sun  of  justice! 
Jesus,  son  of  the  Virgin  Mary! 
Jesus,  most  amiable! 
Jesus,  most  admirable! 
Jesus,  powerful  God! 
Jesus,  father  of  the  world  to  come! 
Jesus,  angel  of  the  great  council! 
Jesus,  most  patient! 
Jesus,  most  obedient! 
Jesus,  meek  and  humble  of  heart! 


40  MORNING  EXERCISE. 

Jesus,  lover  of  chastity ! 

Jesus,  God  of  peace ! 

Jesus,  lover  of  mankind! 

Jesus,  author  of  life! 

Jesus,  model  of  virtues! 

Jesus,  zealous  for  souls! 

Jesus,  our  God! 

Jesus,  our  refuge! 

Jesus,  father  of  the  poor! 

Jesus,  treasure  of  the  faithful! 

Jesus,  good  shepherd! 

Jesus,  true  light!  y 

Jesus,  eternal  wisdom! 

Jesus,  infinite  goodness! 

Fesus,  our  way  and  our  life! 

Jesus,  joy  of  angels! 

Jesus,  king  of  the  patriarchs! 

Jesus,  master  of  the  apostles! 


Jesus,  strength  of  martyrs! 

Jesus,  light  of  confessors! 

Jesus,  purity  of  virgins! 

Jesus,  crown  of  all  saints! 

Be  merciful  unto  us.     Hear  us,  0  Jesuef 

Re  merciful  unto  us.     Spare  us,  0  Jesus/ 

From  all  evil, 

From  all  sin, 

From  thy  wrath,  t  ft.  v 

From  the  snares  of  the  devil, 

From  the  spirit  of  uncleanliness, 

From  eternal  death, 

From  the  neglect  of  thy  inspirations, 

Through  the  mystery  of  thy  incarnation, 


MORNING  EXERCISE.  41 


r 


Through  thy  nativity, 
Through  thy  childhood, 
Through  thy  most  sacred  life, 
Through  thy  labours, 
Through  thy  agony  and  passion, 
Through  thy  death  and  burial, 
Through  thy  resurrection, 
Through  thy  ascension, 
Through  thy  joys, 
Through  thy  glory. 

Lamb  of  God !  who  takest  away  the  sins  of  the 
world!     Spare  us,  0  Jesus/ 

Lamb  of  God  !  who  takest  away  the  sins  of  the 
world !     Hear  us,  0  Jesus/ 

Lamb  of  God !  who  takest  away  the  sins  of  the 
world!     Have  mercy  on  us,  0  Jesus/ 

Jesus!  hear  us.     Lord  Jesus!  graciously  hear  us. 

Let  us  pray. 

O  Lord,  Jesus  Christ!  who  hast  said,  Ask, 
and  thou  shalt  receive,  seek,  and  thou  shall 
find,  knock,  and  it  shall  be  opened  unto  thee; 
mercifully  attend  to  our  supplications,  and 
grant  us  the  divine  gift  of  thy  charity,  that  we 
may  ever  love  thee  with  our  whole  hearts, 
and  never  desist  from  thy  praise;  who  livest 
and  reignest  one  God,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 


MEDI  rATION,  OR  MENTAL  PRAYER. 


In  the  morning  I  will  meditate  upon  thee. — Ps.  lxii. 

The  wise  man  will  gi\e  his  heart  to  resort  early  to  the  Lor<]  that 
made  him,  and  he  will  pray  in  the  sight  of  the  most  high. — Eccles. 
ixxix. 


Meditation,  consisting1  of  considerations  on  the 
great  truths  of  Christianity,  pious  affections,  frequent 
elevations  of  the  soul  to  God,  and  serious  resolutions 
of  amendment,  is  certainly  one  of  the  most  important 
exercises  of  a  christian  life,  and  ought  daily  to  be  per- 
formed by  all  those,  who  would  devote  themselves,  in 
earnest,  to  the  service  of  God.  The  morning-  is  the 
most  proper  time  for  the  performance  of  this  duty. 
The  place  should  be  retired,  and  afford  a  facility  for 
recollection.  The  chief  subjects  of  meditation,  parti- 
cularly for  beginners,  ought  to  be,  the  end  for  which 
we  were  created;  the  benefits  of  God,  and  the  many 
motives  we  have  to  love  and  serve  him;  the  vanity  of 
the  honours,  the  riches  and  the  pleasures  of  life,  and 
how  very  suddenly  all  these  things  vanish  away;  the 
enormity  of  sin,  and  the  multitude  we  have  committed; 
the  certainty  of  death,  the  uncertainty  of  the  hour  in 
which  it  will  come,  and  the  necessity  of  preparing  for 
it;  the  account,  which  we  must  one  day  give,  of  our 
whole  lives  to  an  all-seeing  Judge;  the  eternal  joys  of 
heaven,  and  the  eternal  torments  of  hell;  the  pre 
scnce  and  the  majesty  of  God;  the  life  and  death  of 


MEDITATION.  43 

Jesus  Christ;  the  examples  of  his  Saints;  the  state  of 
our  interior,  in  order  to  come  to  the  knowledge  of 
ourselves,  our  passions,  vices,  propensities,  etc.  Me- 
ditations upon  these  different  subjects,  will  be  found 
among"  the  pious  re/lections  for  even/  day  in  the  month, 

THE    METHOD    OF    MEDITATION'    PUF.SC1UUKD    15T    ST. 
FIIAXCIS  OF  SALES.       1XTH0.     PART    2. 

1.  Place  yourself  in  the  presence  of  God,  by  a  firm 
and  lively  belief  that  he  sees  and  beholds  you,  and  is 
most  intimately  present  to  your  soul;  prostrate  your- 
self in  spirit  before  him;  adore  this  sovereign  Lord, 
whose  majesty  fills  heaven  and  earth:  make,  an  offer- 
ing of  your  whole  being  to  him:  and  humbly  beg  his 
pardon  for  all  your  past  treasons  and  sins. 

2.  With  humility  and  fervour,  implore  his  light  and 
grace,  that  you  may  perform  this  important  exercise 
as  you  ought. 

3.  Reflect  attentively  on  the  subject,  which  you 
have  chosen  for  your  meditation,  (which  you  ought  to 
have  prepared  the  night  before,)  and  let  the  heaven- 
ly truths  it  contains,  sink  deep  into  your  soul.  Dwell 
most  upon  those  points  with  which  you  find  yourself 
most  affected. 

4.  From  these  considerations,  draw  pious  affections 
of  love  for  God,  of  gratitude  for  his  benefits,  of  re- 
pentance for  your  sins,  and  the  like,  which  are  the 
principal  pints  of  mental  prayer,  and  what  you  ought 
most  to  insist  upon. 

5.  From  these  affections  pass  to  good  resolutions, 
of  a  serious  amendment  of  your  life,  particularly  with 
regard  to  those  failings  you  are  most  subject  to:  and 
determine  with  yourself  to  begin  that  very  day,  to  put 


44  MEDITATION. 

those  good  purposes  in  execution,  on  such  occasions 
as  shall  offer. 

6.  Conclude  with  thanking1  God  for  the  affections, 
and  resolutions  he  has  given  you,  offer  them  to  him., 
and  beg-  his  blessing"  on  them. 

7.  Treasure  up  in  your  mind  such  points  of  your 
meditation  as  have  touched  you  most,  and  oftentimes 
in  the  day  reflect  upon  them.  This  the  saint  calls 
gathering-  a  spiritual  nosegay,  in  the  garden  of  devo- 
tion, to  enhale  its  refreshing-  odours  in  the  course  of 
the  day. 

8.  Those  who  find  difficulty  in  meditation,  may 
help  themselves  by  using  some  good  book,  reading 
leisurely,   and   pausing  upon   what  they  read,   and 
drawing  from  it  proper  affections  and  resolutions. 
Your  Meditations  may  be  terminated  by  the  following 

prayers. 

A  Prayer  to  the  B.  Virgin. 

We  fly  to  thy  patronage,  0  holy  Mother  of 
God!  despise  not  our  petitions  in  our  neces- 
sities; but  deliver  us  from  all  dangers,  O  ever 
glorious,  and  blessed  Virgin! 

A  Prayer  to  invoke  the  life  of  Jesus  Christ 
into  ourselves. 
O  Jesus,  living  in  Mary!  come  and  live  in 
thy  servant,  in  the  Spirit  of  thy  sanctity,  in 
the  fulness  of  thy  power,  in  the  perfection  of 
thy  ways,  in  the  truth  of  thy  virtues,  and  in  the 
communion  of  thy  mysteries.  Triumph  over 
all  adverse  powers,  in  thy  holy  Spirit,  for  the 
glory  of  thy  Father.     Awn. 


MEDITATION.  45 

TJie  angelus  domini. 
To  be  said  morning",  noon  and  night,  in  memory  of 
the  adorable  mystery  of  the  Incarnation  of  oui 
blessed  Saviour. 

1.  The  angel  of  the  Lord  declared  unto 
Mary:  and  she  conceived  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
Hail  Mary,  &c. 

2.  Behold  the  handmaid  of  the  Lord:  may 
it  be  done  unto  me  according  to  thy  word. 
Hail  Mary,  &c. 

3.  And  the  word  was  made  flesh:  and  dwelt 
among  us.     Hail  Mary,  &c. 

Let  as  pray. 
Pour  forth,  we  beseech  thee,  O  Lord!  thy 
grace  into  our  hearts,  that  we,  to  whom  the 
Incarnation  of  Christ,  thy  Son,  has  been 
made  known  by  the  message  of  an  angel,  may 
by  his  passion  and  cross,  be  brought  to  the 
jlory  of  his  resurrection;  through  the  same 
Christ,  our  Lord.     Amen. 

In  place  of  the  angelus  domini,  from  Easter  till  Trin- 
ity, the  following  anthem  is  recited,  standing. 

The  Anthem,  Rcgina  cceli. 
Bright  queen  of  heaven!   your  joy  declare, 

Alleluia. 
For  he,  whom  you  deserved  to  bear,  Alleluia. 
Hath,  as  he  said,  rose  from  the  grave:  Alleluia. 
Petition  God  our  souls  to  save.  Alleluia. 
V.   Rejoice   and   be    glad,   0   Virgin   Mary! 

Alleluia. 
R.  For  he  hath  truly  risen.  Alleluia, 


46  MEDITATION. 

Let  us  pray. 

O  God!  who  by  the  resurrection  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son,  hast  vouchsafed 
to  rejoice  the  world,  grant,  we  beseech  thee, 
that  by  the  intercession  of  his  virgin  mother, 
Mary,  we  may  receive  the  joys  of  eternal  life, 
through  the  same  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

A  prayer  to    implore  the  patronage  of  the 
B.  V.  Mary. 

0  holy  Mary!  my  sovereign  Queen,  and 
most  loving  Mother!  receive  me  under  thy 
blessed  patronage,  and  special  protection,  and 
into  the  bosom  of  thy  mercy,  this  day,  and 
every  day,  and  at  the  hour  of  my  death.  I 
recommend  to  thee  my  soul  and  body.  1 
commit  to  thy  care  all  my  hopes  and  com- 
forts, all  my  afflictions,  and  miseries,  my  life, 
and  my  death;  that  by  thy  intercession,  and 
through  thy  merits,  all  my  actions  may  be  di 
rected,  and  disposed  according  to  thy  will 
;jid  the  will  of  thy  blessed  Son.     Amen. 


EVENING  EXERCISE. 


Let  my  prayer  be  directed  as  incenss  in  thy  sight ;  the  lifting  up 
«>f  my  hands,  as  an  evening  sacrifice.—  Ps.  cxli.  2. 


In  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the 
Holy  Ghost.    Amen. 

Blessed  be  the  holy  and  undivided  Trinity, 
now  and  for  ever.     Amen. 

Come,  0  Holy  Ghost!  replenish  the  hearts 
of  thy  faithful,  and  kindle  in  them  the  fire  of 
thy  divine  love. 

Let  us  place  ourselves  in  the  presence  of  God, 
and  humbly  adore  him. 

Great  God!  the  Lord  of  heaven,  and  earth! 
I  prostrate  myself  before  thee.  With  all  the 
angels  and  saints,  I  adore  thee.  I  acknow- 
ledge thee  to  be  my  creator  and  sovereign 
Lord,  my  first  beginning,  and  last  end.  I 
render  to  thee,  the  homage  of  my  being  and 
life.  I  submit  myself  to  thy  holy  will;  and  I 
devote  myself  to  thy  divine  service,  now  and 
for  ever. 

An  act  cf  Faith. 

0  my  God!  I  firmly  believe  all  the  sacred 
truths,  which  thy  holy  Catholic  Church  be- 


48  EVENING  EXERCISE. 

lieves  and  teaches;  because  thou  hast  revealed 
them,  who  canst  neither  deceive,  nor  be  de 
ceived. 

An  act  of  Hope. 

O  my  God!  relying  on  thy  infinite  goodness 
and  promises,  I  hope  to  obtain  the  pardon  of 
my  sins,  the  assistance  of  thy  grace,  and  life 
everlasting,  through  the  merits  of  Jesus  Christ, 
my  Lord,  and  Redeemer. 

An  act  of  Love. 

O  my  God!  I  love  thee  above  all  things 
with  my  whole  heart  and  soul,  because  thou 
art  infinitely  amiable  and  deserving  of  all  love. 
I  love  also  my  neighbour  as  myself,  for  the 
love  of  thee.  I  forgive  all,  who  have  injured 
me,  and  ask  pardon  of  all,  whom  I  have  in- 
jured. 

Let  us  return  thanks  to  God  for  the  favours 
bestowed  on  us. 
How  shall  I  be  able  to  thank  thee,  0  Lord! 
for  all  thy  favours?  Thou  hast  thought  of  me 
from  all  eternity;  thou  hast  brought  me  forth 
from  nothing;  thou  hast  given  thy  life  to  re- 
deem me,  and  thou  continuest  still,  daily,  to 
load  me  with  thy  favours.  Alas!  my  God! 
what  return  can  I  make  thee,  for  all  thy  bene- 
fits, and  in  particular  for  the  favours  of  this 
day?  Join  me,  ye  blessed  spirits!  and  all  ye 
elect!  in  praising  the  God  of  mercies,  who  is 
so  bountiful  to  so  unworthy  a  creature 


EVENING  EXERCISE.  49 

Let  us  beg  of  God  to  make  known  our  sins 
to  us. 

0  Holy  Ghost,  eternal  source  of  light!  re- 
move my  darkness,  and  dispel  those  shades, 
that  hide  from  me  the  filth  and  enormity  of 
my  offences.  Show  me,  I  beseech  thee,  the 
sins  I  have  this  day  committed,  in  thought, 
word  and  action.  Grant  me  a  feeling  sense 
of  them,  that  I  may  detest  them  all  from  the 
bottom  of  my  heart,  and  dread  nothing  so 
much,  as  ever  to  commit  them  hereafter. 

Let  us  examine  our  consciences,  and  consider 
where  we  have  been  this  day,  and  in  what 
company.     Let  us  call  to  mind  the  duties 
of  our  state,  and  our  different  offences. 
Against  God. — By  omissions,  negligence  in  our  re- 
ligious duties,  irreverence  in  the  Church,  wilful  dis- 
tractions in  prayer,  faults  in  our  intentions,  resistance 
to  divine  grace,  oaths,  murmurings,  want  of  confi- 
dence and  resignation. 

Against  our  neighbour. — By  rash  judgments,  hatred, 
jealousy,  contempt,  desire  of  revenge,  quarrelling, 
passion,  imprecations,  injuries,  detraction,  raillery, 
false  reports,  damaging  either  in  goods  or  reputation, 
bad  example,  scandal,  want  of  obedience,  respect, 
charity,  or  fidelity. 

Against  ourselves. — By  vanity,  human  respect,  lies, 
thoughts,  desires,  discourse,  or  actions  contrary  to 
purity:  by  intemperance,  rage,  impatience;  by  a  use- 
less and  sensual  life,  or  sloth  in  complying  with  the 
duties  of  our  state. 


50  EVENING  EXERCISE. 

Recite  the  general  confession,  I  confess  to  JLlmighr 
ty  God,  8cc.  as  in  page  38. 

An  act  of  Contrition. 
Behold  me,  O  Lord!  overwhelmed  with 
confusion,  and  penetrated  with  grief  at  the 
sight  of  my  iniquities.  I  am  not  worthy  to 
be  called  thy  child,  nor  even  to  be  reckoned 
among  thy  servants,  because  I  have  repaid 
thy  goodness  with  malice,  and  thy  patience 
with  ingratitude.  I  have  sinned  against  heaven 
and  earth.  I  have  offended  thee,  who  art  so 
jjood,  so  amiable,  and  so  worthy  of  my  love. 
Yet,  Lord!  I  am  the  work  of  thy  hands,  ran- 
somed with  the  precious  blood  of  thy  own 
Son,  who  died  for  my  salvation.  Through 
his  infinite  merits,  I  implore  forgiveness. 
Have  pity  on  me,  and  spare  me  for  his  sake. 
Turn  away  thy  face  from  my  sins,  and  blot 
out  my  iniquities.  I  am  heartily  sorry  for 
them,  because  they  are  offensive  to  thee,  and 
shall  continue  to  repent  sincerely  of  them,  to 
the  very  hour  of  my  death. 

A  Jinn  purpose  of  Amendment. 

O  eternal  God!  against  whom  I  have  sin- 
ned, I  wish  from  my  heart  that  I  had  never 
offended  thee;  but  as  I  have  been  so  unhappy, 
()!  grant  me  now  grace,  never  more  to  offend 
thee.  Thou  wiliest  not  the  death  of  a  sin- 
ner, but  rather  that  he  be  converted  and  live 
Convert  me  then,  and  I  shall  be  converted 
Have  mercy  on   me   according  to   thy  great 


EVENING  EXERCISE.  51 

mercy,  and  according  to  the  multitude  of  thy 
tender  mercies,  blot  out  my  iniquities.  I  re* 
nounce  all  sin,  and  firmly  purpose  to  shun  all 
the  occasions  of  it,  and  to  walk  henceforth  in 
the  path  of  thy  commandments.  This  is  my 
fixed  resolution,  which  I  hope  I  shall  faith- 
fully keep,  relying  upon  thee,  through  Jesus 
Christ,  our  Lord.     Amen. 

THE  XITAXY  OF  THE   BLESSED  YIHGIX. 

Anthem. 

We  fly  to  thy  patronage,  O  holy  Mother  of  God! 
despise  not  our  petitions  in  our  necessities,  but  deli- 
ver us  from  all  dang-ers,  O  ever  glorious  and  blessed 
Virgin! 

Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Christ!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Christ!  hear  us:  Christ!  gTaciously  hear  us. 

God  the  Father  of  Heaven!  Have  mercy  on  us. 

God  the  Son,  Redeemer  of  the  world!  Have  mercy 
on  us. 

God  the  Holy  Ghost!   Have  mercy  on  us. 

Holy  Trinity,  one  God!  Have  mercy  on  us. 

Holy  Mary!  "^ 

Holy  mother  of  God! 

Holy  virgin  of  virgins! 

Mother  of  Christ! 

Mother  of  Divine  grace  ^C^ 

Mother  most  pure ! 

Mother  most  chaste! 

Mother  undefined! 

Mother  unviolated! 


.! 


52  EVENING  EXERCISE. 

Mother  most  amiable ! 

Mother  most  admirable! 

Mother  of  our  Creator! 

Mother  of  our  Redeemer! 

Virgin  most  prudent! 

Virgin  most  venerable! 

Virgin  most  renowned! 

Virgin  most  powerful! 

"Virgin  most  merciful! 

Virgin  most  faithful! 

Mirror  of  justice! 

Seat  of  wisdom! 

Cause  of  our  joy! 

Spiritual  vessel! 

Vessel  of  honour!  g 

Vessel  of  singular  devotion!  I?* 

Mystical  rose! 

Tower  of  David! 

Tower  of  ivory! 

House  of  gold! 

Ark  of  the  covenant! 

Gate  of  heaven! 

Morning  star! 

Health  of  the  weak! 

Refuge  of  sinners! 

Comforter  of  the  afflicted! 

Help  of  Christians! 

Queen  of  angels! 

Queen  of  patriarchs! 

Queen  of  prophets! 

Queen  of  apostles! 

Queen  of  martyrs! 


EVENING  EXERCISE.  6J 

Queen  of  confessors!  "I'-sk*. 

Queen  of  virgins!  r  ^  B 

Queen  of  all  saints!  J   i4^ 

Lamb  of  God,  who  takest  away  the  sins  of  the 
world!  Spare  us,  0  Lord! 

Lamb  of  God,  who  takest  away  the  sins  of  the 
world!   Graciously  hear  us,  0  Lord/ 

Lamb  of  God,  who  takest  away  the  sins  of  the 
world!  Have  mercy  on  us.  * 

Christ!  hear  us.   Christ!  graciously  hear  us. 

Lord !  have  mercy  on  us.  Christ!  have  mercy  on  us. 
Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 

V.  Pray  for  us,  O  holy  Mother  of  God! 

R.  That  we  may  be  made  worthy  of  the  promises 
of  Christ 

Let  us  pray. 

Defend,  we  beseech  thee,  0  Lord!  through 
the  intercession  of  the  blessed  Mary,  ever  vir- 
gin, this  family  from  all  adversity,  and,  as  in 
all  humility,  they  prostrate  themselves  before 
thee,  do  thou  mercifully  protect  them  against 
all  the  snares  of  their  enemies;  through  Christ, 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

Pour  down  thy  blessing,  O  Lord!  on  thy 
holy  Church,  on  our  holy  Father  the  Pope;  on 
this  diocess,  on  our  most  reverend  Archbishop, 
and  all  pastors  of  souls;  on  this  country,  on 
our  rulers,  and  all  superiors,  temporal  and 
spiritual;  on  this  congregation;  on  this  family; 
on  our  parents,  relations,  benefactors,  friends 
and  enemies.     Help  the  poor,  the  sick,  and 


54  EVENING  EXERCISE. 

those  that  are  in  their  agony;  convert  all  here 
tics,  and  enlighten  the  infidels. 

Our  Father,  &o.  Hail  Mary,  &c.  I  believe 
in  God,  &c. 

Let  us  pray  for  the  souls  of  all  the  Faithful 
departed,  particularly  for  those  of  our 
friends  and  benefactors, 

PSALM    129. 

Out  of  the  depths  I  have  cried  unto  thee,  0 
Lord!  Lord!  hear  my  voice. 

Let  thy  ears  be  attentive  to  the  voice  of  my 
supplication. 

If  thou,  0  Lord!  wilt  mark  iniquities;  Lord! 
who  shall  stand  it. 

For  with  thee,  there  is  merciful  forgiveness: 
and  by  reason  of  thy  law,  I  have  waited  for 
thee,  0  Lord! 

My  soul  hath  relied  on  his  word;  my  sou1, 
hath  hoped  in  the  Lord. 

From  the  morning  watch  even  until  night, 
let  Israel  hope  in  the  Lord. 

Because  with  the  Lord  there  is  mercy;  and 
with  him  plentiful  redemption. 

And  he  shall  redeem  Israel  from  all  his  ini- 
quities. 

V.  Eternal  rest  give  unto  them,  O  Lord! 

It.  And  let  perpetual  light  shine  upon  them 

May  they  rest  in  peace.     Amen. 

V.  0  Lord!  hear  my  prayer. 

R.  And  let  my  cry  come  unto  thee. 


EVENING  EXERCISE.  55 

Let  us  pray. 

O  God!  the  Creator  and  Redeemer  of  all 
the  faithful,  grant  to  the  souls  of  thy  servants 
departed,  the  remission  of  all  their  sins:  that, 
through  pious  supplications,  they  may  obtain 
that  pardon,  which  they  have  always  desired, 
who  livest  and  reignest  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

Let  us  recommend  our  rest  to  God,  to  the 
blessed  Virgin,  and  the  Saints. 

V.  Vouchsafe,  O  Lord!  this  night,  to  keep 
us  without  sin. 

R.  Have  mercy  on  us,  O  Lord!  have  mercy 
on  us. 

Let  us  pray. 

Visit,  we  beseech  thee,  O  Lord!  this  habi- 
tation, and  drive  from  it  all  the  snares  of  the 
enemy.  Let  thy  holy  angels  dwell  therein, 
to  preserve  us  in  peace;  and  may  thy  blessing 
be  upon  us  for  ever,  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.    Amen. 

Bless,  O  Lord!  the  repose  I  am  going  to 
take,  in  order  to  renew  my  strength,  that  I 
may  be  better  able  to  serve  thee.  O  all  ye 
Saints  and  Angels!  but  chiefly  thou,  O  Mother 
of  God!  intercede  for  me  this  night,  and  dur- 
ing the  rest  of  my  life,  but  particularly  at  the 
hour  of  my  heath. 

May  the  divine  assistance  remain  always 
with  us.     Amen. 


:5G  EVENING  EXERCISE. 

Before  you  go  to  rest,  attentively  read  some  pious 
reflections,  which  may  serve  as  the  subject  of  the 
next  morning's  meditation,  and  reflect  on  them  whilst 
you  are  undressing1. 

Whilst  you  compose  yourself  to  sleep,  think  on 
your  grave,  and  how  soon  death,  of  which  sleep  is  an 
image,  will  be  with  you.  What  will  then  be  your 
sentiments  of  all  worldly  vanities? 

Offer  up  your  sleep  to  God.  Submit  to  it  with  a 
pure  intention  of  doing  his  holy  will.  Beg  of  him, 
that  by  this  repose  of  nature,  you  may  obtain  new 
strength  to  serve  him.  Wish  that  every  breath  you 
take  during  the  night,  may  be  an  act  of  praise  and 
love  of  the  divine  goodness.  Compose  yourself  to 
rest  in  the  arms  of  your  Saviour,  piously  invoking  the 
blessed  names  of  Jesus,  Mary  and  Joseph. 

If  you  awake  in  the  night,  renew  the  offering  of 
yourself  to  God,  and  recite  some  pious  prater. 


MASS. 


INSTRUCTIONS    ON   THE   HOLY   SACRIFICE 
OF  MASS. 

A  sacrifice,  in  its  general  acceptation,  is  an  obla- 
tion made  to  God,  to  acknowledge  his  supreme  do- 
minion over  his  creatures,  and  their  dependence  on 
him.  It  is  the  tribute  which  littleness  pays  to  gran- 
deur, and  gratitude  to  goodness.  Considered  in  this 
light,  a  sacrifice  is  certainly  in  perfect  accordance 
with  the  natural  dictates  of  reason,  and  the  frelings 
of  the  heart.  Hence  if  we  appeal  to  the  history  of 
mankind,  we  shall  find  that  in  every  nation  and  at 
every  period,  the  use  of  sacrifices  was  general.  They 
have  always  been  esteemed  the  most  essential,  the 
most  awful,  and  yet  the  most  consoling  acts  of  reli- 
gion, and  the  expression  by  which  men  best  attested 
their  veneration  for  the  divinity,  conciliated  most  ef- 
fectually his  favour,  and  most  easily  appeased  his  in- 
dignation. 

Under  the  law  of  nature,  Abel  offered  the  firstlings 
of  his  flock  in  sacrifice  to  God,  and  God  was  pleased 
with  the  offering,  and  had  respect  to  Abel.  After  the 
deluge,  when  Noah  proceeded  from  the  Ark,  he  raised 
an  altar  to  the  Lord,  and  taking  of  the  cattle,  and 
fowls  that  were  clean,  he  offered  holocausts,  the  sweet 
savour  of  which,  appeased  the  wrath  of  God.  Abra- 
ham, Isaac  and  Jacob,  on  solemn  occasions,  erected 


58  INSTRUCTIONS  FOR  MASS. 

altars  and  immolated  victims  to  the  Lord.  Job,  too, 
worshipped  God  with  daily  sacrifice.  Under  the 
Mosaic  dispensation,  sacrifices  were  numerous,  and 
the  various  rites  and  ceremonies,  with  which  they 
were  offered,  were  appointed  by  God  himself.  The 
Holocaust  was  a  sacrifice,  in  which  the  whole  victim 
was  consumed  by  fire  upon  the  altar  of  God,  as  a  pub- 
lic acknowledgment  of  his  power,  and  majesty,  and 
a  warning  to  man,  that  his  services  must  be  entirely, 
and  without  reserve,  consecrated  to  him,  from  whom 
he  has  received  his  existence,  and  all  that  he  possess- 
es. The  peace-offering  was  made  in  thanksgiving 
for  benefits  received,  for  the  impetration  of  new  ones, 
or  for  the  accomplishment  of  a  vow.  The  sin  offer- 
ing, also  termed  the  expiatory  sacrifice,  was  offered 
by  the  priest  in  expiation  either  of  his  own  sins,  or  of 
those  of  the  people. 

But  these  sacrifices  were  far  from  being  of  them- 
selves acceptable  to  God,  or  possessing  the  power  of 
atoning  for  the  sins  of  men.  They  were  but  weak, 
and  imperfect  figures  of  that  great  sacrifice,  which 
the  Messiah  was  to  offer,  and  which  alone,  could  ren- 
der to  God  a  homage  worthy  of  his  divine  majesty, 
appease  his  justice,  and  obtain  for  man  the  pardon  of 
his  sins,  and  the  gift  of  grace.  It  was  only  through 
the  merits  of  this  pure  and  immaculate  oblation,  ap- 
plied by  the  faith  of  the  offerers,  that  the  sacrifice  of 
animals  could  be  pleasing  to  God,  and  suspend  the  ef- 
fects of  his  wrath;  for  no  other  blood  but  the  blood 
of  Christ,  could  wash  away  the  sins  of  mankind. 
Hence  it  is  that  St.  Paul  makes  him  exclaim  in  the 
language  of  the  Psalmist,  (Heb.  x.  15.)  Sacrifices, 
and  oblations,  and  holocausts  for  sin  thou  wouldst  not, 


INSTRUCTIONS  FOR  MASS.  59 

neither  were  they  pleasing  to  thee,  then  said  I,  behold 
T  come  to  do  thy  will,  0  God! 

Accordingly  at  the  time  appointed  in  the  decrees 
of  heaven,  the  son  of  God  having  assumed  a  human 
body,  suffered  himself  to  be  crucified  on  Calvary, 
offering  to  his  heavenly  father  the  divine  sacrifice, 
propitiatory  for  the  sins  of  the  whole  world.  By  this 
solemn  offering,  our  ransom  was  paid,  the  hand-wri- 
ting of  the  decree,  which  was  against  us,  was  blotted 
out,  we  were  reconciled  to  our  offended  God,  and 
heaven  was  purchased  for  us.  But  Jesus  Christ  was 
not  satisfied  with  once  immolating  himself,  in  a 
bloody  manner,  upon  the  cross.  In  order  that  he 
might  leave  to  the  church,  which  he  was  to  establish, 
a  sacrifice,  which  is  so  essential  an  act  of  religion, 
and  to  enable  the  faithful  to  apply  to  their  souls  the 
merits  of  the  sacrifice  of  Calvary,  he  would  perpetu- 
ate this  august  sacrifice  by  a  daily  unbloody  immola- 
tion on  our  altars. — Wherefore  at  the  awful  and  im- 
pressive period,  which  immediately  preceded  his  cruel 
passion — at  his  last  supper  when  he  seemed  to  take 
his  final  leave  of  his  apostles,  and  of  the  world,  taking 
bread  in  his  hands,  he  blessed  and  broke  it,  and  gave 
it  to  his  disciples,  and  said:  take  ye  and  eat,  this  is  my 
body.  Then  in  like  manner,  taking  the  chalice,  he 
gave  thanks  and  presented  it  to  them,  saying,  drink 
ye  all  of  this,  for  this  is  my  blood,  which  shall  be  shed 
for  you,-  adding  this  most  solemn  charge;  do  this  in 
tommemoration  of  me.  By  these  imposing  words, 
Jesus  Christ  empowered  his  apostles  to  perform  what 
he  himself  had  just  performed — he  empowered  them 
to  offer  the  great  sacrifice  of  the  new  law;  converting 
the  elements  of  bread  and  wine  into  his  divine  body, 


60  INSTRUCTIONS  FOR  MASS. 

and  blood,  and  immolating-  them  to  the  glory  of  his 
eternal  father,  and  for  the  benefit  of  man. 

This  is  the  great  sacrifice,  which  is  daily  offered 
throughout  the  Catholic  Church,  under  the  appella- 
tion of  Mass.  This  is  that  pure  oblation,  which  the 
prophet  Malachy  announced,  (chap.  i.  10)  was  to  be 
offered  in  every  place,  among  the  gentiles.  The 
same  in  substance  with  that  which  was  offered  upon 
the  cross,  because  Jesus  Christ  is  here  too,  the  vic- 
tim offered  and  the  principal  offerer.  The  difference 
is  only  in  the  manner  of  the  offering. 

The  sacrifice  of  Mass,  being  an  unbloody  renewal 
of  the  sacrifice  of  the  cross,  eminently  possesses  all 
the  requisites  of  a  sacrifice,  and  infinitely  surpasses 
those,  which  were  offered  in  the  ancient  law.  By  it 
the  Catholic  Church  is  enabled  to  offer  the  divine 
majesty  a  most  solemn,  and  satisfactory  worship,  and 
a  most  acceptable  act  of  thanksgiving.  In  it  she 
possesses  a  most  powerful  means  of  moving  God  to 
show  mercy  to  us,  and  forgive  us  our  sins,  and  a  most 
efficacious  way  of  obtaining  of  God  the  blessings,  and 
graces  we  stand  in  need  of.  Whilst  at  the  same  time, 
by  the  victim  she  immolates,  and  the  ceremonies  by 
which  it  is  immolated,  she  strongly  calls  to  the  minds 
of  the  faithful,  the  recollection  of  the  passion  of  Jesus 
Christ,  our  bountiful  Redeemer. 

Tor  these  purposes  should  the  holy  sacrifice  of 
Mass  be  offered,  by  both  priest,  and  people.  By  the 
priest,  as  Christ's  minister,  and  in  his  name;  by  the 
people,  through  the  hands  of  the  priest,  and  by  both 
the  one  and  the  other,  through  the  ministry  of  the 
great  high  priest,  Jesus  Christ.  Making  at  the  same 
time  a  total  offering  of  themselves  in  union  with  him. 


DEVOTIONS  FOR  MASS.  61 

With  what  recollection,  with  what  respect,  and 
devotion  ought  not  a  christian  to  assist,  at  this  august 
sacrifice,  commemorative  of  scenes  so  awful  and  im- 
pressive, and  containing  sources  so  abundant  of  grace 
and  benediction?  With  what  reverence  ought  he  not 
to  enter  the  sacred  edifice,  in  which  this  great  trans- 
action ia  to  be  performed?  Let  him  at  that  moment 
recall  his  wandering  thoughts,  and  withdraw  his  mind 
from  reflection  on  any  other  concerns.  Let  him 
imagine  himself  on  Calvary,  represent  to  himself 
Jesus  Christ  loaded  with  the  cross  upon  which  he  is 
to  be  immolated;  and  bewailing  his  sins  which  are 
the  cause  of  these  sufferings,  let  him  unite  himself  to 
his  divine  Redeemer,  through  him  offering  up  the 
holy  sacrifice,  for  the  glory  of  God,  in  thanksgiving 
for  all  his  benefits;  imploring  pardon  for  all  his  sins, 
and  grace  in  all  his  necessities. 


DEVOTIONS  FOR  MASS. 

A  prayer  before  Mass. 

0  Father  of  mercies!  and  God  of  all  con- 
solation! who,  not  content,  that  thy  only  be- 
gotten Son  should  have  once  been  offered  a 
bleeding  victim  upon  the  cross  for  our  salva- 
tion, wouldst  have  the  same  most  acceptable 
oblation,  daily  repeated  in  an  unbloody  man- 
ner, to  renew  in  our  souls  the  fruit  thereof: 
grant,  we  beseech  thee,  that  we  may  assist  at 
this  adorable  mystery  of  thy  power,  wisdom, 


62  DEVOTIONS  FOR  MASS. 

and  goodness,  with  such  reverence,  attention, 
and  love,  that  we  may  plentifully  partake  of 
the  fruits  it  is  intended  to  produce  in  us, 
through  the  same  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

At  the  commencement  of  Mass. 

In  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of 
the  Holy  Ghost.     Amen. 

It  is  in  thy  name,  O  adorable  Trinity!  it  is  to 
honour  thee,  and  to  do  thee  homage,  that  I 
presume  to  assist  at  this  most  holy  and  august 
sacrifice.  Permit  me  then,  O  Lord!  to  unite 
my  intention  with  that  of  thy  minister,  in  of- 
fering up  this  precious  victim;  and  give  me 
now  the  sentiments  with  which  I  should  have 
been  filled,  on  Mount  Calvary,  had  I  been 
witness  to  the  bloody  sacrifice  offered  thereon. 

Confiteor. 
Think  now,  in  the  bitterness  of  your  heart,  on  all 
your  past  sins,  and  recall  to  your  mind  in  a  general 
manner,  such  of  them  as  are  most  humbling  to  you. 
Lay  your  weaknesses  before  God.  Beg  of  him  to 
pardon  you,  and  to  assist  you  in  all  your  necessities, 
through  the  infinite  merits  of  this  great  sacrifice. 

I  confess,  O  my  God!  not  only  in  thy  pre- 
sence, who  seest  the  secrets  of  hearts,  but  in 
presence  of  all  the  blessed  in  heaven,  and  of 
all  the  faithful  on  earth,  that  I  have  often  and 
grievously  offended  thee  by  my  thoughts, 
words,   actions  and  omissions.     Yes,  I  have 


DEVOTIONS  FOR  MASS.  63 

sinned,  O  my  God!  I  have  sinned!  I  acknow- 
ledge it  to  my  shame,  and  with  the  most  bit- 
ter regret.  I  have  abused  all  thy  gifts.  I  am 
unworthy  to  appear  before  thee.  But  thy 
mercies,  0  my  God!  are  above  all  thy  works; 
thou  wilt  not  despise  a  contrite,  and  an  hum- 
ble heart. 

O  most  holy  Virgin!  and  ye  angels,  and 
saints  of  heaven!  I  humbly  beseech  you  to  in- 
tercede for  me.  Vouchsafe,  0  Lord!  to  listen 
to  their  prayers.  Grant  to  the  ardour  of  their 
supplications,  what  thou  mayest  justly  refuse 
to  the  coldness  of  mine;  and  to  their  services, 
so  pleasing  in  thy  sight,  that  pardon,  to  which 
my  offences  can  have  no  claim. 

Kyrie  Eleison. 

Beg-  of  the  Lord  to  show  you  mercy,  and  rely  with 
confidence  on  his  infinite  goodness.  By  granting'  you 
so  powerful  a  means  of  reconciliation  as  this  is,  he 
gives  you  a  sure  pledge  that  you  will  obtain  it 

Though  I  were  at  every  instant  of  my  life 
to  cry  out,  Lord!  have  mercy  on  me!  this 
would  still  be  unequal  to  the  number  and  qual- 
ity of  my  offences.  But  though,  after  long  re- 
peating this  prayer,  thou  shouldst  appear  to 
disregard  me,  I  would  still  redouble  my  im- 
portunity, and  cry  out,  with  a  louder  and  more 
animated  voice,  as  the  woman  of  Canaan,  and 
the  blind  man  of  Jericho  did;  "Jesus,  son  of 
David!  have  mercy  on  me!"  Be  not  then  tired, 
O  Lord!  of  my  supplications.  I  know  that 
ihou  lovest  to  be  importuned.     If,  as  yet,  thy 


64  DEVOTIONS  FOK  MASS. 

goodness  hath  not  granted  my  pardon,  my 
perseverance  shall  at  length  engage  thee  to 
grant  it.  Have  pity,  Bountiful  Creator!  on 
the  work  of  thy  hands.  O  Father  of  mercies! 
grant  pardon  to  thy  children. 

Gloria  in  excehis. 

Conceive  a  great  desire  of  promoting1  God's  glory, 
and  your  neighbour's  good.  Rejoice  with  the  angels 
at  the  share  you  have  in  the  holy  mysteries,  and  form 
to  yourself  the  highest  idea  of  the  majesty  of  God, 
and  of  Jesus  Christ  his  Son. 

Gloria  in  excelsis  Deo.  Glort  be  to  God  on 
Et  in  terra  pax  hominibus  high,  and  peace  on  earth 
bonae  voluntatis.  Lauda-  to  men  of  good  will.  We 
mus  te.  Benedicimus  te.  praise  thee.  We  bless 
Adoramus  te.  Glorifica-  thee.  We  adore  thee, 
mus  te.  Gratias  agimus  We  glorify  thee.  We 
tibi  propter  magnam  glo-  give  thee  thanks  for  thy 
riam  tuam.  Domine  De-  great  glory.  O  Lord  God! 
us,  Rex  coelestis!  Deus  O  heavenly  King!  O  God, 
Pater  omnipotens!  Domi-  the  Father  Almighty!  O 
ne,  Fili  unigenite,  Jesu  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  on- 
Christe!  Domine  Deus!  ly  begotten  Son!  O  Lord 
Agnus  Dei!  Filius  Patris!  God,  Lamb  of  God!  Son 
Qui  tollis  peccata  mundi!  of  the  Father!  O  thou, 
miserere  nobis.  Qui  tollis  who  takest  away  the  sins 
peccata  mundi!  susupe  of  the  world!  have  mercy 
deprecationem  nostram. —  on  us.  O  thou,  who  takest 
Qui  sedes  ad  dexteram  away  the  sins  of  the  world! 
Patris!  miserere  nobis. —  receive  our  prayer.  O 
Quoniam  tu  solus  Sanctus.  thou,  who  sittest  at  the 
Tu  solus  Dominus.  Tu  so-  right  hand  of  the  Father! 


DEVOTIONS  FOR  MASS.  65 

lusaltissimus,JesuChriste!  have  mercy  on  us.  For 
Cum  Sancto  Spirituin  glo-  thou  alone  art  holy.  Thou 
m  Dei  Patris.  Amen.  alone  art  Lord.  Thou 
alone  art  most  high,  O 
Jesus  Christ!  Together 
with  the  Holy  Ghost,  in 
the  glory  of  the  Father. 
Amen. 

The  Collect. 
This  prayer  is  so  called,  because  in  it,  the  priest 
lays  befor*.  God  the  necessities  of  his  people,  their 
vows,  and  their  desires,  collected  in  a  manner,  toge- 
ther. Whence,  turning  to  the  congregation,  he  says, 
Cremus,  Let  us  pray,  inviting  them  to  unite  with  him 
in  the  petition  he  is  about  to  make. 

Almighty,  and  eternal  God!  we  humbly 
beseech  thee,  to  look  down  upon  this  congre- 
gation from  thy  heavenly  sanctuary,  and  gra- 
ciously hear  these  prayers  of  thy  Church,  ad- 
dressed to  thee  for  us  all,  by  the  ministry  of 
this  Priest. 

Grant  us,  in  thy  infinite  mercy,  pardon  for 
our  sins,  health  of  mind  and  body,  peace  in 
our  days,  unity  and  increase  of  Catholic  Faith, 
fervour  of  charity,  sincere  devotion,  patience 
in  suffering,  and  every  thing  conducive  to  thy 
glory,  through  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord.  Amen. 

The  Epistle. 

Return  God  thanks  for  having  called  you  to  the 
knowledge  of  his  law.     Submit  to  it  with  perfect  do- 


66  DEVOTIONS  FOR  MASS. 

cility,  and  beg"  of  him  to  extend  our  holy  religion 
over  all  the  world. 

0  eternal  God!  who  never  ceasest  to  ex* 
cite  us  to  the  worship,  and  love  of  thy  holy 
name,  and  to  arm  us  against  the  attacks  of 
the  world,  the  flesh  and  the  devil,  by  the  pub- 
lic ministry  of  thy  Church,  by  the  doctrine  of 
thy  prophets  and  apostles,  and  by  many  othei 
holy  admonitions,  grant,  we  may  faithfully 
attend  to  these  lessons  of  salvation,  that  thus 
our  knowledge  of  thy  law  may  never  rise  in 
judgment  against  us,  but  guide  us  securely  to 
thee,  through  Christ,  our  Lord.     Amen. 

The  Gospel 
Look  on  the  Gospel,  which  you  are  now  going"  to 
hear,  as  the  rule  of  your  faith  and  morals;  a  rule 
which  Christ  himself  has  drawn  up,  which,  at  your 
baptism,  you  have  solemnly  promised  to  follow,  and 
by  which  you  shall  most  certainly  be  judg-ed. 

It  is  not  thy  interpreters,  O  God!  who  are 
now  to  instruct  me;  it  is  thy  only  Son;  it  is 
his  Word  I  am  going  to  hear.  I  most  grate- 
fully embrace  this  heavenly  doctrine.  I  rise 
up  and  declare,  in  the  face  of  heaven,  and 
earth,  that  I  will  walk  faithfully  in  that  way 
which  he  hath  marked  out  for  me.  He  tells 
me  here,  "  That  it  will  avail  a  man  nothing 
to  gain  the  whole  world,  if  he  lose  his  own 
scul;  that  the  sensual,  the  covetous,  the  world 
Img,  the  libertine,  the  detractor,  and  such  as 
are  insensible  to  the  miseries  of  the  poor,  shall 


DEVOTIONS  FOR  MASS.  67 

have  no  share  in  his  heavenly  kingdom;  and 
that,  in  order  to  become  his  disciple,  I  must 
take  up  my  cross  and  follow  him."  I  receive, 
with  all  my  heart,  these  sacred  maxims;  grant 
me  the  grace  to  put  them  in  practice.  For  to 
what  purpose,  0  my  Jesus!  should  I  declare . 
myself  thy  disciple,  if  I  were  not  to  live  ac- 
cording to  thy  Gospel? 

The  Creed. 

Renew  here  your  faith.  All  these  thing's  which  the 
Church  proposes  to  your  belief,  are  founded  on  God's 
own  word,  revealed  in  the  scriptures,  announced  by 
the  prophets,  supported  by  miracles,  confirmed  by 
the  martyrs,  verified  by  the  establishment  of  our  faith, 
and  obvious  by  the  sanctity  of  our  religion. 

Credo  in  unum  De-  I  believe  in  one  God,  the 
urn,  Patrem  omnipoten-  Father  Almighty,  maker 
tern,  factorem  cadi  et  ter-  of  heaven  and  earth,  of  all 
rx,  visibilium  omnium,  et  things  visible  and  invisi- 
invisibilium.  Et  in  unum  ble.  And  in  one  Lord, 
DominumJesumChristum,  Jesus  Christ,  the  only  be- 
Filium  Dei  unigenitum. —  gotten  son  of  God,  and 
Et  ex  Patre  natum  ante  born  of  the  Father  before 
omnia  saecula.  Deum  de  all  ages.  God  of  God, 
Deo,  Lumen  de  Lumine,  Light  of  Light,  true  God 
Deum  verum  de  Deo  ve-  of  true  God.  Begotten, 
ro.  Genitum  non  fac-  not  made;  consubstantial 
turn,  consubstantialem  Pa-  to  the  Father,  by  whom 
tri,  per  quem  omnia  facta  all  tilings  were  made, 
sunt.  Qui,  propter  nos  Who  for  us  men,  and  for 
homines,  et  propter  nos-  our  salvation,  came  down 
tram    salutem,    descendit  from  heaven.     And  was 


68  DEVOTIONS   1  Oil  MASS. 

de  ccelis.  Et  incarnatus  incarnated  by  the  Holy 
est  de  Spiritu  Sancto  ex  Ghost  of  the  Virgin  Ma- 
Maria  Virgine;  ET  HOMO  ry.  AND  WAS  MADE 
FACTUS  EST.  Crucifix-  MAN;  he  was  crucified 
us  etiam  pro  nobis,  sub  also,  under  Pontius  Pilate, 
Pontio  Pilato,  passus  et  suffered,  and  was  buried, 
sepultus  est.  Et  resur-  And  the  third  day  he  rose 
rexit  tertia  die,  secundum  again  according*  to  the 
Scripturas.  Et  ascendit  in  Scriptures.  And  he  as- 
coelum,  sedet  ad  dexte-  cended  into  heaven,  sitteth 
ram  Patris.  Et  iterum  ven-  at  the  right  hand  of  the 
turus  est  cum  gloria  judi-  Father.  And  he  is  to  come 
care  vivos  et  mortuos;  again  with  glory,  to  judge 
cujus  regni  non  erit  finis,  the  living  and  the  dead;  of 
Et  in  Spiritum  Sanctum  whose  kingdom  there  shall 
Dominum,  et  vivificantem;  be  no  end.  And  in  the 
qui  ex  Patre,  Filioque  Holy  Ghost,  the  Lord  and 
procedit.  Qui  cum  Patre  giver  of  life,  who  pro- 
et  Filio  simul  adoratur  et  ceedeth  from  the  Father 
conglorificatur;  qui  locu-  and  the  Son,  who,  toge- 
•tus  est  per  Prophetas.  Et  ther  with  the  Father  and 
'Unam,  Sanctam,  Catholi-  the  Son,  is  adored  and  glo- 
cam,  et  Apostolicam  Ec-  rified,  who  spoke  by  the 
clesiam.  Confiteor  unum  Prophets.  And  One,  Ho- 
Baptisma,  in  remissionem  ly,  Catholic,  and  Apostolic 
-peccatorum.  Et  expec-  Church.  I  confess  one 
to  resurrectionem  mortuo-  Baptism  for  the  remission 
rum.  Et  vitam  venturi  s<e-  of  sins.  And  I  look  for 
culi.    Amen.  the    resurrection    of  the 

dead.     And  the  life  of  thf 
world  to  come.    Amen. 


DEVOTIONS  FOR  MASS.  69 

The  Offertory. 
Consider  what  an  advantage  it  is  to  have,  in  this 
great  Sacrifice,  wherewith  to  honour  God  perfectly,  to 
thank  him  in  a  manner  equal  to  his  gifts,  to  blot  out 
entirely  your  past  sins,  and  to  obtain,  both  for  your- 
self and  others,  all  the  graces  you  stand  in  need  of. 
O  holy  Father!  Almighty  and  Eternal  God! 
how  unworthy  soever  I  be  to  appear  in  thy 
presence,  I  dare  to  offer  thee  this  Host,  by  the 
hands  of  the  Priest,  with  that  intention  which 
Christ  my  Saviour  had,  when  he  first  insti- 
tuted this  sacrifice,  and  which  he  has,  at  this 
very  instant,  that  he  immolates  himself  for  us. 
I  offer  it  in  acknowledgment  of  thy  supreme 
dominion  over  me,  and  all  creatures.     I  offer 
it  in  expiation  of  my  crimes,  and  in  thanks- 
giving for  all  thy  benefits.     I  offer  it  to  obtain 
of  thy  infinite  goodness,  for  my  parents,  ben- 
efactors, friends,  and  enemies,  all  those  pre- 
cious graces,  which  only  through  him  can  be 
obtained,  who  is  the  Just  One  by  excellence, 
and  who  became  a  victim  for  the  sins  of  men. 
Accept  then,  O  Lord!  this  ineffable  sacri- 
fice, as  a  sweet  odour,  and  permit  me  to  unite 
to  this  sacred  oblation,  the  sacrifice  of  my  soul 
and  body,  and  whatever  I  am,  or  have.  Change 
me,  0  Lord!  and  make  me  a  new  creature  in 
Christ,  as  thou  art  going  to  change  this  bread, 
and  wine  by  thy  power,  to  make   them   the 
body,  and  blood  of  thy  Son. 

Hie  washing  of  the  fingers. 
OJ  what  cleanness,  and  purity  of  heart, 


70  DEVOTIONS  FOR  MASS. 

should  we  not  bring  with  us  to  this  great  sa- 
crifice! But  alas!  I  am  a  poor,  unclean  sin- 
ner. 0!  wash  me,  dear  Lord!  from  all  the 
stains  of  sin  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb,  tlrat  I 
may  be  worthy  to  be  present  at  these  heaven- 
ly mysteries. 

When  the  Priest  says,  Orate  fratres. 

Receive,  O  Lord!  from  the  hands  of  the 
priest,  the  sacrifice,  which  is  now  prepared, 
for  the  praise,  and  the  glory  of  thy  name,  for 
our  benefit,  and  that  of  all  thy  holy  Church. 
Graciously  hear  the  prayers,  which  she  now 
offers  to  thee,  by  the  mouth  of  her  minister, 
and  mercifully  grant  us  all  the  graces,  which 
thou  knowest  to  be  necessary  for  our  salva- 
tion. 

The  Preface. 

Raise  your  thoughts  to  heaven;  to  the  very  throne 
of  the  Divinity;  and  there,  with  most  holy  and  res- 
pectful awe,  pay  homage  to  his  glorious  Majesty,  mix- 
ing your  praises  with  those  sacred  hymns,  which  the 
heavenly  spirits  are  ever  singing  to  him. 

Do  thou  thyself,  0  Lord!  raise  up  my  heart; 
inflame  it  with  love;  free  it  from  earthly  af- 
fections; let  me  be  all  in  heaven,  where  my 
treasure  is,  and  on  the  altar  where  he  is  going 
to  be.  My  life,  O  Lord!  is  a  continued  suc- 
cession of  thy  favours.  0!  let  my  thanks- 
givings be  also  uninterrupted;  and  since  thou 
art  going  to  renew  the  greatest  of  sacrifices 


DEVOTIONS  FOR  MASS.  71 

should  I  not  also  break  forth  into  the  most 
lively  acknowledgments?  Permit  me,  then, 
0  Lord!  to  join  my  feeble  voice  with  all  the 
heavenly  spirits,  and  to  say  with  them,  in 
transports  of  joy,  and  admiration,  "Holy! 
Holy!  Holy  is  the  Lord  God  of  armies!  The 
heavens,  and  the  earth  are  filled  with  his  glo- 
ry! Blessed  is  he,  who  cometh  in  the  name 
of  the  Lord!  eternal  King  and  God,  as  he, 
who  sends  him!" 

The  Canon, 
Represent  here  to  yourself  the  altar  as  a  throne  of 
mere}',  upon  which  Christ  is  to  sit,  where  you  are  en- 
titled to  present  yourself,  to  expose  to  him  your  wants, 
to  ask  for  blessing's,  and  to  obtain  them.  Can  he, 
who  giveth  us  his  only  Son,  refuse  us  any  thing? 

O  Father  of  mercy!  graciously  receive  by 
the  hands  of  the  Priest,  this  most  holy  sacri- 
fice in  union  with  that,  which  thy  beloved  Son 
offered  up  to  thee  during  his  whole  life,  at  his 
last  supper,  and  on  the  cross.  Look  down  on 
thy  Christ,  thy  dearest  and  only  begotten,  in 
whom  thou  art  always  well  pleased;  and  by 
the  infinite  merits  of  his  Incarnation,  of  his 
Nativity,  of  his  Tears,  Labours,  Sufferings 
and  Death,  have  mercy  upon  me,  and  upon  all 
those  for  whom  I  ought  to  pray,  [liere  name 
the  particular  persons,~]  my  parents,  brethren, 
friends,  benefactors,  relations,  and  those  who 
have  injured  me,  or  whom  I  have  injured.  I 
also  beseech  thee  to  guard,  prosper,  and  ex- 


72  DEVOTIONS   FOR  MASS. 

tend  the  holy  Catholic  Church;  to  pour  down 
thy  blessing  upon  our  chief  pastor  the  pope, 
upon  the  bishops  and  all  the  clergy;  enlighten 
and  guide  them  in  the  way  of  salvation.  Bless 
and  preserve  our  rulers  and  all  our  fellow  cit- 
izens. Look  upon  us  all,  I  beseech  thee,  with 
eyes  of  mercy  and  compassion.  Bring  us  all 
to  the  perfect  practice  of  a  holy,  and  virtuous 
life  here,  and  to  the  possession  of  thy  eternal 
glory  hereafter.  May  we  all  know  thee;  may 
we  all  please  thee  perfectly;  may  wre  fear,  love 
and  glorify  thee,  through  the  same  Jesus 
Christ,  who,  with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost, 
liveth  and  reigneth  one  God,  world  without 
end.     Amen. 

Why  have  I  not,  O  God!  at  this  moment, 
the  ardent  sighs  with  which  the  holy  patri- 
archs wished  for  the  Messiah?  Why  have  I 
not  their  faith,  and  all  their  love?  Come,  Lord 
Jesus!  come,  sweet  Redeemer  of  the  world! 
to  accomplish  a  mystery,  which  is  an  abridge- 
ment of  all  thy  wonders! 

Thou  art,  indeed,  the  true  Pastor  of  souls, 
who  didst  lay  down  thy  life  for  thy  flock. 
Thou  art  the  Lamb  of  God,  that  died  upon 
the  Cross,  to  save  us.  I  prostrate  myself  in 
spirit  before  thee,  and  desire  to  praise  and 
bless  thee  for  ever. 

The  Elevation. 
Behold  your  God,  your  Saviour,  and  your  Judgfe; 
remain  for  a  while  in  silent  astonishment  a*  what 
passes  before  you;  call  up  all  your  fervour,  and  j»ll 


DEVOTIONS  FOR  MASS.  73 

those  sentiments  which  fear,  respect,  and  confide/ice 
can  inspire. 

Hail,  Victim  of  Salvation!  Eternal  King! 
Incarnate  Word,  sacrificed  for  me,  and  all 
mankind!  Hail,  precious  Body  of  the  Son  of 
God!  Hail,  sacred  flesh,  torn  with  nails, 
pierced  with  a  lance,  and  bleeding  on  a  cross, 
for  us  poor  sinners!  0  amazing  goodness!  O 
infinite  love!  O!  let  that  tender  love  plead  now 
in  my  behalf!  let  all  my  iniquities  be  here  ef- 
faced, and  my  name  be  written  in  the  book  of 
life!  I  believe  in  thee;  I  hope  in  thee;  I  love 
thee.  To  thee,  be  honour,  praise  and  glory 
from  all  creatures  for  ever. 

At  the  Elevation  of  the  Chalice. 
Hail,  sacred  Blood!  flowing  from  the 
wounds  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  washing  away 
the  sins  of  the  world!  O!  cleanse,  sanctify, 
and  preserve  my  soul,  that  nothing  may  sep- 
arate me  from  thee!  Behold,  0  eternal  Father! 
thy  holy  Jesus,  and  look  upon  the  face  of  thy 
Christ,  in  whom  thou  art  well  pleased.  Hear 
the  voice  of  his  Blood,  that  cries  out  to  thee,, 
not  for  vengeance,  but  for  pardon,  and  mercy. 
Accept  this  divine  oblation,  and  through  the 
inflnite  merits  of  all,  that  Jesus  endured  on- 
the  cross,  for  our  salvation,  be  pleased  to  look 
upon  us,  and  upon  all  thy  people,  with  an  eye 
of  mercy. 

The  Canon  continued. 
Contemplate,  in  the  most  affectionate  manner, 
your  Saviour  here  present.     Reflect  on  the  mvste* 
7 


74  DEVOTIONS  FOR  MASS. 

ries  he  here  renews  ;  unite  the  sacrifice  of  your  heart 
to  that  of  Ms  body;  offer  him  to  God  his  Father,  with 
the  several  intentions,  with  which  the  sacrifice  should 
be  offered,  beseeching"  the  Father  of  Mercy,  to  ac- 
cept the  prayers,  which  his  dear  Son  addresses  to 
him,  in  your  behalf. 

It  is  now,  0  Eternal  Majesty!  that  we  truly 
and  really  offer  thee  that  pure,  holy,  and  im- 
maculate victim,  which  of  thyself  thou  hast 
been  pleased  to  grant  us,  and  of  which  all 
other  offerings  were  only  the  types.  The 
sacrifices  of  Abel,  of  Abraham,  and  Melchize- 
deck,  were  nothing  compared  to  ours.  This 
glorious  victim,  thy  dear  Son  himself,  the 
perfect  object  of  thy  eternal  love,  is  alone 
worthy  of  thy  altar,  and  an  offering  by  so 
much  the  more  precious  than  theirs,  as  God 
is  greater  than  all  creatures. 

Offer  the  Mass,  as  a  sacrifice  of  adoration. 
0  Sovereign  Lord  of  all  things!  graciously 
accept  my  humble  homage,  in  union  with  that, 
which  thou  here  receivest  from  Christ,  thy 
beloved  Son,  in  whom  thou  art  well  pleased. 
With  him,  I  offer  thee  his  own  holy  sacrifice, 
for  the  end  he  proposes,  while  he  immolates 
himself  upon  this  altar.  He  alone  knows  the 
boundless  excellence  of  thy  unspeakable  ma- 
jesty. He  alone  fully  comprehends  the  entire 
extent  of  thy  dominion.  He  beholds  thee  as 
thou  art,  and  how  all  creatures,  visible  and  in- 
visible, depend  on  thee.  He  clearly  conceives, 
that  thy  right  is  absolute  over  all  we  are,  and 


DEVOTIONS  FOR  MASS.  75 

all  we  possess,  or  can  hope  lor  in  this  life, 
and  in  eternity  It  is  to  acknowledge  this 
supreme  dominion,  and  to  make  in  his  name 
a  public  profession  of  our  total  dependence 
upon  thee,  that  he  renews  every  day,  and  that 
we  renew  with  him,  this  most  holy  sacrifice. 

Offer  it  as  a  sacrifice  of  thanksgiving. 

Vouchsafe  also,  dearest  Lord!  to  receive 
this  precious  victim  in  thanksgiving  for  all  thy 
benefits.  Thou  hast  created  me  to  thy  own 
likeness,  and  without  thee,  I  must  fall  back 
into  my  original  nothing.  For  my  sake,  thy 
beloved  Son  gave  himself  up  to  the  cruelty  of 
the  Jews,  and  to  an  ignominious  death;  nor 
doth  a  moment  of  my  existence  pass  away, 
without  new  proofs  of  thy  bounty.  I  wish, 
O  Lord!  I  could,  even  at  the  price  of  my 
blood,  acknowledge,  in  some  degree,  these 
numberless  favours:  but  the  offering  I  here 
make  thee,  is  far  more  acceptable;  it  is  thy 
own  Son,  equal  in  all  things  to  thee;  the  figure 
of  thy  substance,  the  splendour  of  thy  glory. 

As  a  sacrifice  of  expiation. 

Remember,  O  merciful  Father!  that  the  sa- 
crifice, we  are  now  offering  to  thee,  is  a  rep- 
resentation of  that,  which  was  offered  by  our 
Saviour  on  the  cross.  May  it  be  now  again 
a  propitiatory  sacrifice.  Pardon  us  our  in- 
gratitude. Our  transgressions,  it  is  true,  are 
grievous  and  manifold;  but  then,  O  Lord!  it 
is  the  blood  of  a  God,  we  offer  in  atonement. 


7C>  DEVOTIONS  FOR  MASS. 

As  a  sacrifice  of  impetration. 

O  God!  who  art  infinitely  bountiful,  be 
pleased  now,  to  crown  all  thy  favours  by  the 
gift  of  a  lively  faith,  of  a  firm  hope,  of  an  ar- 
dent charity.  Bless  all  my  labours;  give  me 
clearly  to  know  thy  holy  will,  and  steadily  to 
execute  it;  grant  me  to  persevere  in  thy  grace 
to  the  end  of  my  life.  Have  mercy  on  the 
souls  of  the  faithful  departed,  and  particularly 
on  those,  whom  I  am  bound  to  pray  for. 
[Name  them.']  Deliver  them,  O  Lord!  from 
their  sufferings,  through  the  powerful  merits 
of  thy  Son. 

Pater  Noster. 

Here,  we  are  with  Jesus  on  a  new  Calvary.  Let 
ns  remain  at  the  foot  of  his  cross,  with  the  tender 
compassion  of  Magdalen,  with  the  ardent  love  of  St. 
John;  or  standing-  afar  off  with  St.  Peter,  let  us  weep 
bitterly  over  our  offences.  With  sentiments  like 
these,  let  us  recite  the  Lord's  prayer  with  the  priest. 

Paternoster!  quiesin  Our  Father!  who  art 
coclis;  sanctificetur  nomen  in  heaven ;  hallowed  be 
tuum.  Adveniat  regnum  thy  name.  Thy  kingdom 
tuum.  Fiat  voluntas  tua  come.  Thy  will  be  done 
sicut  in  coelo  et  in  terra,  on  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven. 
Panem  nostrum  quotidia-  Give  us,  this  day,  our  daily 
iiurn  da  nobis  hodie.  Et  bread.  And  forgive  us  our 
dimitte  nobis  debita  nos-  trespasses,  as  we  forgive 
tra,  sicut  et  nos  dimitti-  them,  that  trespass  against 
mus    debitoribus    nostris.  us.     And  lead  us  not  into 


DEVOTIONS  FOR  MASS.  77 

Et  ne  nos  inducas  in  ten-  temptation;  but  deliver  us 
tationem.     R.    Sed  libera  from  evil.     Amen. 
nos  a  malo.    P.  Amen. 

Deliver  us,  we  beseech  thee,  O  Lord! 
from  all  evils  past,  present,  and  to  come.  And 
by  the  intercession  of  the  blessed  and  ever 
Virgin  Mary,  mother  of  God,  and  of  the  holy 
apostles  Peter,  Paul  and  Andrew,  and  all  the 
saints,  mercifully  grant  peace  in  our  days,  that 
through  the  assistance  of  thy  mercy,  we  may 
be  always  free  from  sin,  and  secure  from  all 
disturbance,  through  the  same  Jesus  Christ, 
our  Lord,  who  with  thee  liveth  and  reigneth 
in  the  unity  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  world  without 
end.     Amen. 

Hie  Agnus  Dei. 

God,  so  glorious  in  heaven,  so  powerful  on  earth, 
so  dreadful  in  hell,  is  here  only  a  Lamb  full  of  sweet- 
ness and  bounty.  He  comes  here  to  take  away  the 
sins  of  the  world,  and  your  sins  in  particular.  What 
a  motive  of  confidence!  "What  a  subject  of  consola- 
tion! 

0  Lamb  of  God!  sacrificed  for  my  sake, 
have  mercy  on  me.  0  adorable  Victim  of  my 
salvation!  look  down  on  me,  and  save  me! 
Divine  Mediator!  obtain  pardon  of  thy  Father 
for  me,  a  sinner,  and  mercifully  grant  me  the 
sweets  of  thy  peace.     Amen. 

The  Communion. 
To  communicate  spiritually,  renew  by  an  act  of 
Faith,  your  firm  belief  of  Christ's  real  presence. 


7H  DEVOTIONS  FOR  MASS. 

Make  an  act  of  contrition.  Desire  most  earnestly  to 
receive  him  with  the  priest.  Beg-  him  to  accept  these 
desires,  and  to  unite  himself  to  you  in  the  effusion  of 
his  graces. 

What  a  comfort  to  me,  O  my  God!  were 
1  in  the  number  of  those,  whose  sanctity  al- 
lows them  to  receive  thee  daily!  What  an  ad 
vantage,  could  I,  at  this  instant,  possess  thee 
in  my  heart,  pay  thee  there  my  homage,  lay 
open  to  thee  my  wants,  and  share  in  the  fa- 
vours, which  thou  grantest  to  those  who  re- 
ceive thee  really!  But  since  I  am  unworthy, 
do  thou,  O  Lord!  supply  my  want  of  disposi- 
tions; pardon  me  my  sins;  I  detest  them  from 
my  heart,  because  they  are  displeasing  to 
thee.  Accept  my  ardent  wish  to  be  united  to 
thee;  cast  thine  eye  upon  me,  and  purify  my 
soul,  that  I  may  soon  be  fit  to  receive  thee 
worthily.  But  until  the  arrival  of  this  happy 
day,  I  earnestly  entreat  thee,  0  dearest  Lord! 
that  thou  wouldst  make  me  a  sharer  in  all  the 
advantages,  which  the  communion  of  the  priest 
shall  produce  in  these  thy  people.  Increase 
my  faith  by  the  virtue  of  this  sacrament, 
strengthen  my  hope,  refine  in  my  soul  thy 
divine  charity,  fill  my  heart  with  love,  that  it 
beat  but  for  thee,  and  live  for  thee  alone 
Amen. 

The  Last  prayer. 

Strive  earnestly  to  offer  your  Lord  sacrifice  for  sa- 
crifice, becoming-  the  victim  of  his  love.  Immolate 
freely  to  him  all  sinful  inclinations,  and  whatever  is 
contrary  to  his  holy  will. 


DEVOTIONS  FOR  MASS.  79 

Thou  hast  offered  thyself,  O  Lord!  for  my 
salvation;  I  desire  to  be  sacrificed  for  thy  glo- 
ry. I  am  thy  victim,  do  with  me  as  thou 
wiliest.  Whatever  I  have,  I  consecrate  en- 
tirely to  thee.  Those  crosses,  which  thou 
shalt  please  to  send  me,  I  most  freely  accept. 
I  bless  them;  I  receive  them  from  thy  hand, 
and  unite  them  with  those,  thou  hast  endured 
for  my  sake.  I  am  now  about  to  leave  thy 
temple,  resolved,  with  thy  help,  to  serve  thee 
faithfully.  I  will  struggle  against  my  failings, 
but  chiefly  against  that  to  which  I  am  most 
inclined.  Thy  law  shall  henceforth  direct 
me,  and  I  shall  forfeit  all,  and  surTer  every 
thing,  rather  than  mortally  transgress  it. 

The  Benediction. 
Receive  this  blessing*  from  the  priest,  as  being- 
given  yon  in  the  name  of  the  Lord.  Thank  him  sin- 
cerely for  the  favours  here  granted  you ;  lay  up  with 
care  the  fruits  of  this  sacrifice,  and  let  your  conduct 
be  such,  that  all  who  see  you,  may  clearly  perceive, 
how  much  you  have  profited  by  so  holy  an  action. 

Most  holy,  and  adorable  Trinity!  by  thee 
we  have  begun  this  sacrifice,  by  thee  we  de- 
sire to  conclude  it,  we  therefore  shall  not 
leave  thee,  until  thou  bless  us.  Give  us,  O 
Lord!  thy  blessing,  by  the  hands  of  this  priest; 
may  it  ever  remain  with  us;  may  it  influence 
our  actions,  and  be  the  sure  pledge  of  that  last 
benediction,  which  thy  elect  shall  receive, 
when  called  by  thee  into  eternal  glory. 


80  DEVOTIONS  FOR  MASS. 

The  Last  Gospel. 
Divine  Word!  only  Son  of  the  Father. 
Light  of  the  world!  who  earnest  from  heaven 
to  show  us  the  way  to  it,  I  adore  thy  Majesty 
with  the  most  profound  respect.  I  place  my 
whole  confidence  in  thee.  I  hope  most  firmly, 
that  as  thou  art  my  God,  a  God  made  man  to 
save  mankind,  thou  wilt  grant  me  those  graces 
my  sanctification  requires,  and  also  the  enjoy- 
ment of  thee  in  thy  glory. 

A  prayer  after  Mass. 

I  earnestly  thank  thee,  O  my  God!  for  hav- 
ing permitted  me  to  assist  at  the  celebration 
of  this  holy  sacrifice,  in  preference  to  so  many 
others,  who  have  not  been  thus  favoured.  I 
humbly  entreat  thee  to  pardon  me  the  faults, 
which  I  have  committed  during  it,  either  hy 
my  inattention  or  my  neglect.  Grant  that  I 
remember  through  the  course  of  the  day,  what 
thou  hast  here  done  for  me.  Grant  that  no 
thought,  word,  or  action  of  mine,  deprive  me 
of  the  graces,  of  which,  through  thy  infinite 
mercy,  I  have  been  partaker. 

METHOD     OF     HEARING     MASS     SPIRITUALLY,     FOH     THE 
ABSEXT. 

It  often  happens,  that  christians,  through  distance 
of  place,  indisposition,  or  other  unavoidable  impedi- 
ments, are  hindered  from  being-  present  at  the  great 
sacrifice  of  the  mass.  In  these  cases,  it  is  proper  they 
should  endeavour  to  assist  thereat,  at  least  in  spirit, 
which  may  be  done,  with  great  fruit  to  their  souls,  in 
the  followintr  manner. 


MANNER  OF  SERVING  AT  MASS.        81 

Let  them  choose  a  proper  time  in  the  morning",  and 
by  themselves,  or  with  their  family,  if  they  have  one, 
iet  them  go  into  their  oratory,  and  there  present  them- 
selves in  spirit  before  the  altar  of  God.  Having-  be- 
wailed their  misfortune  in  being-  kept  at  a  distance 
from  these  heavenly  mysteries,  let  them  join  them- 
selves in  heart  and  affection  with  all,  that  are  offering 
this  sacrifice  to  God  at  this  time;  representing  more 
particularly  to  themselves  that  mass,  which  is  then 
offered  in  the  place  where  they  commonly  hear  it,  and 
applying  themselves  to  the  same  devotions,  they  com- 
monly use  during  the  celebration  of  the  holy  sacrifice. 

Thus  for  example;  at  the  confiteor,  let  them  con- 
fess their  sins,  with  a  hearty  repentance;  at  the  Kyrie 
Ekhon,  let  them  cry  out  to  God  for  mercy ;  at  the  Glo- 
ria in  excelsis,  let  them  give  glory,  and  adoration  to 
God;  at  the  collects,  let  them  recommend  to  him  their 
own,  and  the  church's  necessities;  at  the  epistle  and 
gospel,  let  them  beg-  God's  grace,  that  they  may  con- 
form their  lives  to  his  holy  word.  Let  them  in  this 
manner  accommodate  their  devotion  to  all  the  other 
parts  of  the  mass;  always  bearing  in  mind  the  four 
intentions  of  the  sacrifice  and  the  passion  of  Christ — 
and  remembering  to  make  a  spiritual  communion, 
uniting  themselves,  in  every  part  of  this  sacrifice,  to 
Jesus  Christ,  and  offering  themselves  to  God  with 
lum,  and  through  him. 

THE  XAXXEB  OF  SF.RVIXG  AND  AXSWEHI5G  AT  MASS. 

The  Clerk,  or  Minister,  kneeling  at  the  left  hand  of 
the  Priest,  shall  answer  him,  as  follows: 
Priest.  Ixtroibo  ad  Altare  Dei. 
Clerk.  Ad  Deum  qui  laetificat  juventutem  meam. 


82         MANNER  OF  SERVING  AT  MASS. 

P.  Judica  me,  Deus  et  discerne  causam  meam;  de 
gente  non  sancta,  ab  homine  iniquo  et  doloso  erue  me. 

C.  Quia  tu  es  Deus,  fortitudo  mea.  Quare  me  re- 
pulisti,  et  quare  tristis  incedo  dum  affligit  me  inimicus? 

P.  Emitte  lucem  tuam  et  veritatem  tuam:  Ipsa  me 
deduxerunt,  et  adduxerunt  in  montem  sanctum  tuum 
et  in  tabernacula  tua. 

C.  Et  introibo  ad  altare  Dei:  ad  Deum  qui  lsetificat 
juventirtem  meam. 

P.  Confitebor  tibi  in  cithara,  Deus,  Deus  meus; 
quare  tristis  es  anima  mea,  et  quare  conturbas  me? 

C.  Spera  in  Deo  quoniam  adhuc  confitebor  ill! 
salutare  vultus  mei,  et  Deus  meus. 

P.   Gloria  Patri,  et  Filio,  et  Spiritui  Sancto. 

C.  Sicut  erat  in  principio,  et  nunc,  et  semper,  et  in 
ssecula  sxculorum.     Amen. 

P.  Introibo  ad  altare  Dei. 

C.  Ad  Deum  qui  laetificat  juventutem  meam. 

P.  Adjutorium  nostrum  in  nomine  Domini. 

C.  Qui  fecit  coelum  et  terrain. 

P.  Confiteor  Deo,  &c. 

C.  Misereatur  tui  omnipotens  Deus,  et  dismisses 
peccatis  tuis  perducat  te  ad  vitam  eternam. 

P.  Amen. 

C.  Confiteor  Deo  omnipotent],  beatx  Mariae  semper 
Virgini,  beato  Michaeli  Archang-elo,  beato  Joanni 
Baptistze,  Sanctis  Apostolis  Petro,  et  Paulo,  omnibus 
Sanctis,  et  tibi,  Pater,  quia  peccavi  nimis  cogitatione, 
verbo  et  opere  (here  he  strikes  his  breast  thrice),  mea 
culpa,  mea  culpa,  mea  maxima  culpa.  Ideo  precor 
beatam  Mariam  semper  Virginem,  beatum  Michaelem 
Archangelum,  beatum  Joannem  Baptistam,  Sancto; 


MANNER  OF  SERVING  AT  MASS.        83 

Apostolos  Petrum  et  Paulum,  omnes  Sanctos,  et  te, 
Pater,  orare  pro  me  ad  Dominum,  Deum  nostrum. 

P.  Misereatiir  vestri,  &c. 

C.  Amen. 

P.  Indulge ntiam,  absolutionem,  et  remissionem,  &c. 

C.  Amen. 

P.  Deus  tu  conversus,  vivificabis  nos. 

C.  Et  plebs  tua  lsetabitur  in  te. 

P.  Ostende  nobis,  Domine,  misericordiam  tuam. 

C.  Et  salutare  tuum  da  nobis. 

P.  Domine,  exaudi  orationem  meam. 

C.  Et  clamor  meus  ad  te  veniat. 

P.  Dominus  vobiscum. 

C.  Et  cum  spiritu  tuo. 

[After  the  Introit,  the  Priest  returns  to  the  middle  of 
the  Altar,  and  says:] 

P.  Kyrie  eleison. 
C.  Kyrie  eleison. 
P.  Kyrie  eleison. 
C.  Christe  eleison. 
P.  Christe  eleison. 
C.  Christe  eleison. 
P.  Kyrie  eleison. 
C.  Kyrie  eleison. 
P.  Kyrie  eleison. 
P.  Dominus  vobiscum. 
C.  Et  cum  spiritu  tuo. 

[When  the  Priest  says,  Flectamus  genua.     The  C. 
answers,  Levate.] 

P.  Per  omnia  sxcula  sxculorum. 
C.  Amen. 


84        MANNER  OF  SERVING  AT  MASS. 

[At  the  end  of  the  Epistle,  say:] 
C.  Deo  gratias. 

[The  Epistle,  Gradual  and  dlleluia,  or  Trad,  being 
read,  remove  the  Mass-book  to  the  right  corner  of 
the  Altar,  making*  a  reverence  as  you  pass  before 
the  middle  of  the  Altar.  Always  kneel  or  stand 
on  the  side  opposite  to  that,  on  which  the  book  is 
placed.] 

P.  Dominus  vobiscum. 
C.  Et  cum  spiritu  tuo. 
P.   Sequentia  sancti  Evangelii,  secundum,  &c. 

[Making-  the  sign  of  the  cross  on  your  forehead,  mouth 
and  breast,  and  bowing-,  say:] 
C.   Gloria  tibi,  Domine! 

[Always  bow  at  the  name  of  Jesus.     At  the  end  of 
the  Gospel,  say:] 

C.  Laus  tibi,  Christe! 

P.   Dominus  vobiscum. 

C.   Et  cum  spiritu  tuo. 
[When  the  Priest  has  offered  the  bread,  the  Clerk 

gives  him  wine  and  water;  then  prepares  the  towel, 

and  gives  him  water  for  his  hands.     That  done, 

let  him  kneel  down  as  before.] 

P.   Orate,  fratres. 

C.  Suscipiat  Dominus  Sacrificium  de  manibus  tuis 
ad  laudem,  et  gioriam  nominis  sui;  ad  utilitatem  qui*, 
que  nostram,  totiusque  Ecclesix  sux  sanctac. 

P.  Per  omnia  sxcula  sxculomm. 

C.  Amen. 

P.  Dominus  vobiscum. 

C.   Et  cum  sniritu  tuo. 


MANNER  OF  SERVING  AT  MASS.        H5 

P.  Sursum  corda. 

C.  Habemus  ad  Dominum. 

P.  Gratias  ag-amus  Domino,  Deo  nostro. 

C.  Dig-num  et  justum  est 

[At  Sanctus,  Sanctus,  Sandus,  ring"  the  little  bell. 
When  you  see  the  Priest  spread  his  hands  over  the 
Chalice,  you  must  give  warning-,  by  the  bell,  of  the 
consecration,  which  is  about  to  be  made.  Lig-ht 
the  candle,  if  any  be  prepared  for  that  purpose. 
Then  holding-  up  the  vestment  with  your  left  hand, 
with  the  light,  ring-  the  bell  during-  the  elevation 
of  the  host.  Do  the  same,  at  the  elevation  of  the 
Chalice.  As  often  as  you  pass  by  the  blessed 
Sacrament,  adore  on  one  knee.] 
P.  Per  omnia  specula  sseculorum. 
C.  Amen. 

P.  Et  ne  nos  inducas  in  tentationem. 
C.  Sed  libera  nos  a  malo. 
P.  Per  omnia  sxcula  saeculorum. 
C.  Amen. 

P.  Pax  Domini  sit  semper  vobiscum. 
C.  Et  cum  spiritu  tuo. 

[The  Priest's  Communion  being-  ended,  be  ready  to 
give  him  wine  first,  then  wine  and  water.  But  if 
there  be  any  communicants,  provide  first  a  com- 
munion cloth,  and  say  the  Confiteor.  And  after 
the  Communion,  give  the  Priest  wine  and  water. 
Then  remove  the  book  to  the  left  corner  of  the 
Altar,  put  out  the  candle  which  you  lighted  before 
the  elevation,  take  away  the  communion  cloth,  and 
return  to  your  former  place.] 
8 


86      ORDINARY  ACTIONS  OF  THE  DAY 

P.  Dominus  vobiscum. 

C.  Et  cum  spiritu  tuo. 

P.  Per  omnia  sxcula  sxculoram. 

C.  Amen. 

P.  Ite,  Missa  est,  or  Benedicamus  Domino 

C.  Deo  gratias. 

[In  Masses  for  the  Dead.     P.  Requiescant  in  Pace. 
C.  Amen.] 

[If  the  book  be  left  open,  remove  it.      Kneel  to  re 
ceive  the  Priest's  blessing1.] 

P.  Pater  et  Films,  et  Spiritus  Sanctus. 

C.  Amen. 

P.  Dominus  vobiscum. 

C.  Et  cum  spiritu  tuo . 

P.  Initium,  or  sequentia  sancti  Evangelii,  secun- 
dum, 8c  c. 

C.  Gloria  tibi,  Domine. 
[At  the  end  of  the  last  Gospel,  whatever  it  be,  sav 
Deo  Gratias.] 


THE  ORDINARY  ACTIONS  OF  THE  DAY 


Whether  you  eat  or  drink,  or  whatsoever  else  you  Jo,  do  all  to  the 
glory  of  God.— 1  Cor.  x.  31. 


Of  work,  or  ordinary  employments. 

Often   call  to  mind  that  sentence  pronounced 

against  all  mankind,  in  the  person  of  Adam;  Gen.  iii. 

19.     "In  the  sweat  of  thy  brow,  thou  shalt  eat  thy 

bread,  until  thou  returnest  to  the  earth,  from  which 


ORDINARY  ACTIONS  OF  THE  DAY.      87 

thou  art  taken.  For  dust  thou  art,  and  into  dust  thou 
shalt  return."  In  consequence  of  this  sentence,  sub- 
mit yourself  to  the  labours  of  your  calling-,  as  to  a 
penance  imposed  upon  you  by  the  Almighty,  and 
perform  them  with  a  penitential  spirit,  offering- them 
up  daily  to  God  for  your  sins. 

Fly  idleness,  which  is  the  mother  of  all  mischief. 
If  your  condition  of  life  does  not  oblig-e  you  to  labour 
for  your  subsistence,  choose,  nevertheless,  some  em- 
ployment for  your  soul's  sake,  that  the  evil  spirit  may 
never  find  you  idle. 

In  the  beginning-  of  your  work,  direct  your  inten- 
tion to  God.  Consider  what  you  are  undertaking-,  as 
a  business  allotted  you  by  him,  and  let  your  desig-n 
in  doing-  it,  be  to  please  him.  God  Almig-hty  most 
certainly  appoints  to  every  one  in  his  family  his  re- 
spective employments;  embrace  yours,  then,  in  com- 
pliance with  the  will  of  God;  and  offer  up  both  your- 
self, and  your  work,  from  time  to  time,  to  him,  in 
union  with  the  works,  in  which  your  Saviour  was  em- 
ployed, in  this  mortal  life. 

In  the  midst  of  your  work,  let  your  mind  be  taken 
up,  as  much  as  possible,  with  the  thoug-ht  of  God. 
Make  a  closet  in  your  heart  for  Jesus  Christ;  invite 
nim  in  thither,  and  there  entertain  him  as  well  as  you 
can.  If  you  be  occupied  in  the  company  of  world- 
ling's, set  a  particular  guard  over  your  heart,  that  it 
receive  not  the  infection  of  their  vain,  and  wicked 
discourse.  Perform  all  your  duties  with  due  care  to 
do  them  well,  not  that  you  may  please  men,  but  that 
you  may  please  God,  in  whose  presence  you  labour, 
and  for  whose  glory  you  ought  to  do  all  that  you  do. 
Take  care  to  mortify  that  overgreat  eagerness,  with 


88   ORDINARY  ACTIONS  OF  THE  DAY. 

which  you  sometimes  find  yourself  bent  upon  work; 
do  all  with  calmness  and  peace,  if  you  would  have 
God  be  with  you. 

Of  Meals. 
Saxctift  your  meals  by  prayer,  before  and  after, 
and  by  referring  them  to  the  glory  of  God.  Eat  and 
drink  to  recruit  your  strength,  and  to  enable  yourself 
the  better  to  fulfil  every  duty.  Avoid  intemperance, 
greediness  and  sensuality;  sometimes  abstain,  through 
a  spirit  of  mortification,  especially  between  meals, 
from  whatever  serves  only  to  gratify  the  taste.  While 
you  are  eating,  be  not  unmindful  of  him,  who  bestows 
so  many  good  things  on  you.  Remember  the  rigorous 
fasts  of  the  saints;  and  think  also,  sometimes,  on  the 
vinegar,  and  gall  which  was  given  to  your  Saviour  to 
drink  upon  the  cross. 

Of  Recreations. 

Let  your  intention  be  pure  in  your  recreations. 
Take  them  only  as  far  as  they  may  be  necessary  for 
the  health  of  your  body,  or  the  relaxation  of  your 
mind.  Let  the  will  of  God  direct  you,  both  in  the 
choice  of  them,  and  in  the  measure  of  time  you  allow 
for  them. 

Fly  all  such  recreations  as  are  sinful  or  dangerous — 
all  such  as  tend  to  soften  the  soul,  and  fill  it  with  a 
spirit  and  love  of  this  world — all  such  as  savour  of  the 
pomps  of  Satan,  which  you  have  renounced — all  such, 
in  fine,  as,  instead  of  being  really  serviceable  for  the 
relaxation  of  the  mind,  or  the  health  of  the  body,  are 
prejudicial  either  to  the  one,  or  to  the  other,  or  to 
both. 


ORDINARY  ACTIONS  OF  THE  DAY.      B'J 

Allow  no  more  time  for  your  recreations,  than  is 
necessary  for  those  ends,  for  which  recreations  are. 
allowable.  It  is  an  intolerable  abuse  to  make  them, 
as  some  do,  the  chief  business  of  life.  Alas!  what 
account  will  such  christians  be  able  to  give  one  day, 
of  the  use  of  their  precious  time! 

As  in  the  beginning'  of  your  recreations,  you  ought 
to  offer  them  up  for  the  honour  and  giory  of  God,  so 
you  oug-ht  also  frequently,  in  the  midst  of  them,  to 
recollect  yourself  in  God,  inviting  Jesus  Christ  into 
your  heart,  and  making1  aspirations  of  love  to  him. 

Of  Conversations. 

"  If  any  one  offend  not  in  words,  he  is  a  perfect 
man."  St.  James,  hi.  2.  There  is  no  time  in  which  a 
christian  is  obliged  to  be  more  upon  his  guard,  than 
in  his  conversation;  because  of  the  many  ways  we  arc 
liable  to  offend  by  the  tongue,  or  the  great  prejudices 
which  we  are  apt  to  do  to  others,  or  to  receive  from 
others,  in  conversation.  For  this  reason  we  ought  to 
call  God  to  our  assistance,  as  often  as  we  go  into  com- 
pany. Be  careful  in  the  choice  of  the  company  with 
which  you  converse,  and  much  more  so,  in  the  choice 
of  the  persons,  whom  you  intend  to  make  your  fa- 
miliar friends.  Let  virtue  and  prudence  be  the  first, 
and  chief  qualifications  you  seek  in  them. 

Let  your  discourse  be  edifying.  Avoid  not  only 
that  freedom  which  expresses  itself  without  reserve: 
but  those  artful  equivocal  expressions,  which  convey 
poison  under  a  double  meaning,  and  are  the  fruitful 
sources  of  a  thousand  lewd  thoughts,  desires,  and  ac- 
tions.   Raillery  is  also  to  be  spurned,  when  it  degen. 


90      ORDINARY  ACTIONS  OF  THE  DAY. 

erates,  and  becomes  offensive  to  civility,  to  charity 
or  to  religion. 

Take,  therefore,  the  resolution,  never  to  suffer  in 
vour  presence,  any  irreligious,  lewd,  or  detracting 
discourse.  If  it  be  not  in  your  power  to  hinder  it, 
have  at  least  the  courage  of  declaring- yourself  for  the 
interests  of  God,  of  virtue,  and  of  your  neighbour. 
If  the  quality  of  those  who  speak  obliges  you  to  si- 
lence, show  at  least,  by  a  serious  and  forbidding 
countenance,  the  displeasure  you  feel;  and  leave  the 
company,  if  you  can  do  it  without  impropriety. 

Never  contradict  any  one  in  company,  except  the 
importance  of  the  matter,  and  the  danger  of  some 
person's  receiving  prejudice  from  the  malice  or  ig- 
norance of  others,  require  it  of  you.  Be  as  civil  as 
you  can,  but  without  flattery,  or  condescending  to 
any  thing  that  is  evil;  and  be  modestly  cheerful  in  the 
fear  of  God. 

Often  meditate  in  what  manner  Christ  and  his  saints 
conversed  here  upon  earth,  that  you  may  imitate 
them.  Often  aspire  to  their  happy  conversation  in 
heaven. 

Make  not  more  visits  than  are  required  by  neces- 
sity and  civility.  Remember,  that  solitude  and  si- 
lence are  the  best  means  of  obtaining  recollection  in 
God,  and  the  spirit  of  prayer. 

Of  reading  good  books,  or  hearing  the  word 

of  God. 

Let  not  a  day  pass,  without  employing,  at  least  one 

quarter  of  an  hour,  in  reading  some  spiritual  book. 

On  Sundays  and  holy-days,  spend  a  more  considera- 


ORDINARY  ACTIONS  OF  THE  DAY.      91 

ble  time  in  this  holy  exercise.  Follow  the  advice  of 
your  director,  with  regard  to  the  books,  which  it 
would  be  most  proper  for  you  to  read. 

Beg-in  your  reading-  with  a  fervent  invocation  of  the 
Holy  Ghost  Read  leisurely  and  attentively,  that  the 
lessons  you  read  may  make  proper  impressions  upon 
your  soul,  and  sink  deep  into  your  heart.  Pause  a 
while  upon  such  places  as  touch  you  most:  and  from 
time  to  time,  excite  affections  and  resolutions  in  your 
soul,  suitable  to  the  subject  you  are  reading*. 

Consider,  that  as,  when  you  are  praying*,  you  are 
speaking*  to  God;  so,  when  you  are  reading*  and  hear- 
ing* his  word,  he  is  speaking  to  you.  Be  careful  then 
to  lay  up  in  your  heart  the  seed  of  his  divine  word, 
that  it  may  not  be  picked  up  by  the  fowls  of  the  air, 
your  infernal  foes — nor  carelessly  trodden  under  foot. 

Hear  the  word  of  God  as  often  as  you  have  an  op- 
portunity. Call  upon  God  in  the  beg-inning*,  and  pu- 
rify your  soul  from  all  vain  curiosity.  Mind  not  the 
eloquence,  or  action  of  the  preacher,  but  attend  to 
the  truths  he  delivers.  Apply  not  to  others  the  ad- 
monitions, which  you  hear:  but  consider  what  suits 
yourself,  and  treasure  it  up  in  your  mind,  for  the  rule 
of  your  future  conduct. 

After  reading*,  or  hearing*  the  word  of  God,  give 
thanks  to  his  divine  majesty  for  the  instructions,  he 
has  given  you.  Single  out  some  one,  or  more  par- 
ticular points,  for  your  practice  every  day,  and  beg 
of  God  that  he  would  imprint  them  in  your  soul,  that 
you  may  remember  them,  and  put  them  in  execution. 
Remember  that  the  word  of  God  heard  or  read,  and 
not  put  in  practice,  will,  one  day,  rise  in  judgment 
ajjuinst  you. 


92     ASPIRATIONS  AND  EJACULATIONS. 

If  you  are  the  master,  or  mistress  of  a  family,  see 
that  those  under  your  charge  want  not  the  advantage 
of  frequent  spiritual  instruction.  It  is  a  care,  your 
gTeat  master  expects  from  you. 

Banish  from  your  family  all  lewd  and  irreligious 
books,  and  such  as  may  be  of  a  dangerous  tendency, 
cither  to  faith  or  morals.  Great  is  the  detriment 
which,  young-  people  especially,  receive  from  such 
books. 

Form  to  yourself  a  little  library  of  choice  books  of 
piety:  you  cannot  lay  up  a  more  precious  treasure  for 
your  family. 

ASPIRATIONS   AND    EJACULATIONS    WHICH    MAT    BE    HE 
PEATED    THROUGHOUT    THE    DAY. 

Lord!  increase  my  faith.  Lord!  believe,  help  thou 
my  unbelief.  O!  let  me  rather  die,  than  entertain  the 
least  doubt  of  thy  sacred  truths. 

In  thee,  O  Lord!  is  my  hope.  O!  let  me  never  be 
confounded. 

O  my  God!  give  me  grace  never  to  offend  thee. 

O  my  God!  teach  me  to  love  thee  with  all  my 
heart,  and  soid,  and  mind,  and  strength,  in  time  and 
eternity. 

Too  late,  have  I  known  thee,  O  infinite  goodness! 

Too  late,  have  I  loved  thee,  O  eternal  beauty! 

"Who  will  give  me  the  wings  of  a  dove?  and  I  will 
fly  and  repose  in  thee. 

My  soul  hath  thirsted  after  my  God,  the  fountain 
of  eternal  life.  O !  when  shall  I  come,  and  appear 
m  the  presence  of  my  God! 

O  Lord!  enlighten  my  eyes,  that  I  may  never  sleep 
in  death. 


ASPIRATIONS  AND  EJACULATIONS.     93 

To  thee,  O  God!  to  thee  alone,  be  all  honour,  and 
gl  jry,  and  praise,  and  adoration,  for  ever! 

Mortify  in  me,  O  Jesus!  whatever  displeases  thee, 
and  make  me  according-  to  thy  own  heart. 

O  blessed  Jesus!  give  me  grace  to  learn  of  thee,  to 
be  meek,  and  humble  of  heart,  that  I  may  be  united 
w  ith  thee,  and  find  rest  to  my  sold. 

O  my  God,  and  my  all!  teach  me  to  do  thy  holy 
will  in  all  things. 

O  Lord!  keep  me  from  sin,  and  grant  me  the  grace 
of  a  happy  death. 

O  Fountain  of  all  goodness!  have  mercy  on  me. 

O  my  God!  grant  me  grace  to  perform  all  my 
works,  with  a  pure  intention  of  pleasing  thee. 

Let  the  name  of  the  Lord,  be  blessed  for  ever! 

Glory  be  to  the  Father!  and  to  the  Son!  and  to  the 
Koly  Ghost! 

A  prayer  before  work. 
O  Gon,  who  hast  condemned  man  to  labour,  in  pun- 
ishment of  sin;  I  submit  to  thy  just  decree.  I  accept 
the  work,  which  thy  providence  has  allotted  for  my 
share,  in  a  spirit  of  penance,  and  in  conformity  to  thy 
holy  will.  I  offer  it  up  to  thee  in  union  with  the  la- 
bour, to  which  my  Saviour  Jesus  Christ  submitted 
himself,  for  my  sake,  during  his  mortal  life.  Give 
thy  blessing  to  it,  O  Lord!  and  make  it  subservient 
to  thy  glory,  and  my  salvation. 

During  work,  or  any  other  occupation. 

All  for  thee,  O  my  God!  all  for  thy  sake.  I  have 
no  other  desire,  than  to  please  thee,  and  to  accom- 
plish thy  holy  will. 


94  NECESSARY  VIRTUES. 

Before  any  spiritual  exercise. 

Come,  O  holy  Spirit!  fill  the  hearts  of  thy  faithful, 
and  kindle  in  them  the  fire  of  thy  love. 

V.  Send  forth  thy  Spirit,  and  our  hearts  shall  be 
regenerated. 

R.  And  thou  wilt  renew  the  face  of  the  earth. 

Let  us  pray. 
O  God!  who,  by  the  light  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  didst 
instruct  the  hearts  of  the  faithful;  grant  us,  by  the 
same  holy  spirit,  the  love  and  relish  of  what  is  right 
and  just,  and  the  constant  enjoyment  of  his  comforts; 
through  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Before  Meals. 
Bless  us,  O  Lord!  and  these  thy  gifts,  which  wc 
are  about  to  receive  from  thy  bounty;  through  Christ, 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

After  Meals. 
We  give  thee  thanks,  O  Almighty  God!  for  all  thy 
benefits,  who  livest  andreignest,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 


NECESSARY  VIRTUES. 

The  practice  of  selecting  one  of  the  following  vir 
tues  or  vices  for  the  subject  of  a  daily  examination, 
cannot  be  too  strongly  recommended  to  christians  in 
every  condition  of  life.  They  will  find  it  an  effica- 
cious means  of  conquering  their  evil  inclinations,  and 
of  advancing  in  the  career  of  virtue.  To  reap  the 
full  benefit  of  this  practice,  they  should  often  produce 


NECESSARY  VIRTUES.  95 

acts  of  the  virtue,  they  have  selected,  daily  increasing 
the  number  of  them,  until  it  has  become  familiar  to 
them. 

Humility. 

Never  speak  a  word,  that  may  tend  to  your  own 
praise.  Do  not  take  pleasure  in  hearing"  yourself 
praised?  or  any  thing  said  of  you  that  is  good.  But 
on  the  contrary,  take  from  thence  occasion  to  hum- 
ble yourself,  and  to  conceive  sentiments  of  confusion 
and  shame,  in  considering  that  you  are  so  far  from 
being  such  as  you  are  thought,  or  such  as  you  should 
be.  Rejoice  at  hearing  others  well  spoken  of.  And 
if  you  find  yourself  displeased  at  it,  or  discover  any 
secret  envy  within  yourself,  note  it  as  a  fault. 

Do  nothing  tlirough  human  respect,  nor  with  a 
view  of  drawing  the  eyes  of  men  upon  you;  but  do 
all  things  purely  to  please  God. 

Never  excuse  your  faults,  much  less  cast  them 
upon  others,  either  interiorly  or  exteriorly.  Drive 
away  all  thoughts  of  vain  glory,  and  pride  occasion- 
ed by  those  things  which  bring  reputation  and  esteem. 
Prefer  all  others  before  yourself,  not  only  in  opinion, 
but  also  in  the  practice  of  our  lives,  behaving  yourself 
to  all,  with  respect  and  attention. 

Receive  every  occasion  that  will  occur  of  humbling 
yourself,  as  coming  from  the  hand  of  God.  Endea- 
vour daily  to  advance  to  the  perfection  of  the  virtue 
of  humility,  in  which  may  be  distinguished  three  de- 
grees; the  first,  to  support  humiliations  with  patience; 
the  second,  to  accept  them  with  promptitude  and 
willingness;  and  the  third,  to  embrace  them  with  joy. 
For  we  must  not  stop,  until  we  have  arrived  so  far  as 


96  NECESSARY  VIRTUES. 

to  suffer  gladly  any  kind  of  affronts,  and  contempts, 
in  order  to  imitate  Jesus  Christ,  who,  for  the  love  oi 
us,  would  become  the  reproach  of  men  and  the  out 
cast  of  the  people. 

Fraternal  Charity. 

Never  detract,  or  in  any  manner  speak  ill  of  you» 
neighbour,  however  slight  or  notorious  his  defects  01 
faults  may  appear.  Never  do  any  thing  prejudicial 
to  him,  nor  show  any  contempt  for  him,  whether  in 
his  presence  or  absence.  But  let  your  conduct  be 
such,  that  as  far  as  it  may  depend  on  your  testimony, 
each  one  may  pass  for  a  person  of  merit,  and  virtue. 

Never  report  to  any  one,  what  has  been  said  of 
him,  when  the  thing  is  calculated  to  give  the  least 
discontent.  For  this  is,  in  the  language  of  the  Gos- 
pel, to  sow  cockle  among  the  wheat,  that  is,  discord 
among  brethren. 

Never  break  forth  into  passionate  words,  nor  say 
any  thing  that  may  mortify  your  neighbour.  Be  not 
obstinately  attached  to  your  opinion,  nor  dispute  and 
contest  with  heat.  Reprehend  not  those,  over  whom 
you  have  no  authority. 

Treat  every  body  with  charity  and  meekness;  en- 
deavour to  be  serviceable,  and  to  give  pleasure  to 
all,  as  far  as  you  are  able.  If  by  your  calling  or  em- 
ployment, you  are  under  a  special  obligation  of  as- 
sisting your  neighbour,  or  of  any  ways  taking  care  of 
him,  you  should  be  very  attentive  to  the  discharge 
of  tins  duty,  you  should  by  the  mildness  of  your  pro- 
ceedings, of  your  words,  and  of  your  answers,  sup- 
ply as  much  as  you  can,  such  things  as  it  is  not  L*i 
your  power  to  do  for  them. 


NECESSARY  VIRTUES.  97 

Harbour  no  aversion  or  dislike  towards  your  neigh- 
bour. Carefully  avoid  giving-  any  sign  thereof,  either 
by  affecting-,  through  contempt,  not  to  speak  to  him, 
or  refusing  him  assistance  in  his  necessities,  or  show- 
ing in  any  other  manner,  that  you  are  offended  or 
displeased  with  him. 

Judge  not  your  neighbour  with  severity,  but  en- 
deavour to  excuse  his  faults  yourself,  and  conceal 
them  from  others;  and  generally  entertain  a  favoura- 
ble opinion  of  every  one. 

Mortification. 

Mortify  yourself  on  all  occasions  that  present 
themselves  to  do  so,  whether  they  come  immediately 
from  God,  or  are  sent  by  him  through  the  medium 
of  your  superiors,  of  your  brethren,  or  in  any  other 
way.  Endeavour  to  welcome  them,  and  to  make 
your  profit  of  them. 

Mortify  and  overcome  yourself  in  all  things,  that 
hinder  you  from  a  regular  compliance  with  every 
duty,  and  from  performing  well  your  ordinary  actions, 
as  well  spiritual  and  interior,  as  temporal  and  exte- 
rior. For,  all  the  faults  you  commit  in  them,  pro- 
ceed from  your  unwillingness  to  offer  some  violence 
to  yourself,  whether  it  be  to  undergo  some  trouble, 
or  to  deprive  yourself  of  some  pleasure. 

Mollify  your  senses  by  keeping  a  strict  guard  over 
them,  especially  over  your  eyes,  and  your  tongue. 
In  general,  refuse  your  flesh  all  those  gratifications, 
that  serve  only  to  flatter  it,  and  make  it  rebellious; 
bear  willingly  what  is  painful  to  it 

Mortify  yourself,  sometimes,  in  things  permitted. 
Do  not  indulge  yourself  in  looking  at  curious  or  ex- 


98  NECESSARY  VIRTUES. 

traordinaiy  things;  do  not  inquire  or  wish  to  hear  of 
thing's,  in  which  you  have  no  concern;  refrain  from 
speaking1  what  you  had  a  mind  to  say,  when  unneces- 
sary; suffer  patiently  to  be  interrupted  or  contradict- 
ed; receive  meekly  and  thankfully  any  reproof  or 
correction,  rudeness  or  incivility  from  others;  and 
such  like  things. 

You  may  mortify  yourself  even  in  those  tilings, 
which  necessity,  or  duty  imposes  upon  you,  as,  eat 
ing,  drinking,  sleeping,  study,  diversion,  work,  &c. 
if  the  thing  is  painful  and  disagreeable  to  nature, 
bear  the  pain  willingly,  and  for  God's  sake.  If  agree- 
able, renounce  the  pleasure  you  might  take  therein, 
saying  to  God  from  the  bottom  of  your  heart;  "it  is 
not,  O  Lord!  for  my  own  satisfaction,  that  I  am  go- 
ing to  do  this;  but  to  accomplish  thy  holy  will." 

Abstinence  and  Sobriety. 

Never  exceed  the  rules  of  temperance,  cither  in 
eating  or  drinking.  Eat  not  with  greediness  and  pre- 
cipitation, but  with  modesty,  and  decency,  not  in- 
dulging too  much  your  appetite. 

Content  yourself  with  what  is  served  on  the  table, 
without  desiring  any  other  meats,  or  seeking  any  par- 
ticular seasoning. 

Make  not  eating  or  drinking,  or  the  quantity  of 
meats,  through  sensual  gratification,  the  topic  of  your 
conversation. 

Patience. 
Never  show  outwardly  any  sign  of  impatience;  on 
the  contrary,  let  your  words,  your  actions,  and  your 
countenance,  indicate  the  tranquillity  which  reigns 
in  your  mind. 


NECESSARY  VIRTUES.  99 

Never  give  entrance  into  your  hearts,  to  any  thing 
that  may  disturb  the  peace  of  your  soul,  and  create 
sadness  or  indignation.  Suffei  not  any  desire  of  re- 
venge, however  slight,  to  creep  into  your  breast. 

Receive  all  afflictions,  and  all  occasions  of  suffer- 
ing, as  coming  from  the  hand  of  God,  for  your  good. 

Exercise  yourself  in  producing  acts  of  patience, 
according  to  the  tliree  degrees  of  that  virtue.  1st. 
By  supporting  all  things  with  patience.  2ndly.  By 
accepting  all  sufferings  with  promptitude  and  wil- 
lingness. 3rdly.  By  embracing-  them  with  jov,  be- 
cause it  is  the  will  of  God. 

Obedience. 

Obet  your  parents,  masters,  pastors  and  all  supe- 
riors; either  temporal  or  spiritual,  as  God  himself, 
with  whose  authority  they  are  invested. 

Shun,  as  a  great  misfortune,  that  kind  of  life  in 
which  nothing-  is  done,  from  morning-  till  night,  but 
what  humour  or  fancy  directs.  Fear  doing  your  own 
will,  and  wish  to  live  under  the  yoke  of  obedience, 
and  under  the  control  of  a  rule. 

Never  murmur  against  superiors  nor  complain  of 
their  commands,  however  difficult  they  may  appear, 
and  however  contrary  to  your  inclination. 

Obey,  1st.  Universally,  that  is  in  all  things  com- 
manded, in  all  places,  and  at  all  times.  2nd.  Cheer- 
fully, without  sadness,  murmur,  or  constraint,  but 
from  the  heart.  3rd.  Purely,  not  through  human 
respect,  servile  fear,  or  self-interest;  but  with  a  view 
to  please  God  in  accomplishing-  his  holy  will.  4th. 
Readily,  and  without  demur.     5th.  Blindly,  without 


100  NECESSARY  VIRTUES. 

prying  into  the  reason  which  directs  your  superiors, 
but  submitting"  your  judgment  to  theirs. 

Poverty  of  spirit. 

Be  interiorly  disengaged  from  all  affection  to  the 
riches  of  this  world.  This  disengagement  is  pro- 
duced by  a  conviction  of  the  vanity  of  all  earthly 
goods,  and  of  their  insufficiency  to  satisfy  the  desires 
of  the  human  heart,  whose  real  riches  are  in  heaven. 

Speak  not  in  praise  of  riches;  nor  esteem  yourself 
the  more  for  possessing-  them.  Place  not  your  con- 
fidence or  support  in  them;  nor  seek  them  with  ea- 
gerness; but  receive  them  with  indifference,  possess 
them  without  fear  of  losing  them,  preserve  them 
without  disquietude,  and  lose  them  without  sorrow. 

Make  not  the  care  of  temporal  goods  a  pretence 
for  neglecting  religious  duties;  show  disinterestedness 
in  all  your  dealings;  give  alms  with  willingness;  lend 
readily;  contribute  according  to  your  ability  to  every 
good  work.  Consider  yourself  only  as  the  adminis- 
trator of  the  goods  you  possess,  and  be  always  dis- 
posed to  give  away,  when  you  prudently  judge,  that 
God  demands  it. 

Be  contented  with  the  necessaries  of  life,  and  make 
a  sacrifice  to  God  of  the  superfluous  part  of  your 
property,  by  bestowing  it  on  the  poor,  or  employing 
it  in  other  good  works. 

If  you  are  born  poor,  do  not  complain;  love  your 
state,  remain  in  it  with  content,  and  sanctify  it  by  a 
virtuous  life.  If  you  have  been  brought  to  poverty 
by  some  misfortune,  suffer  it  without  impatience  or 
murmur. 


NECESSARY  VIRTUES.  101 

Never  be  ashamed  of  appearing-  poor,  but  mani- 
fest your  love  of  poverty  in  your  dress,  m  your  lodg- 
ing" and  furniture,  in  your  diet,  &c. 

Be  not  ashamed  of  conversing"  with  the  poor,  nor 
of  owning"  your  poor  relatives  or  friends. 

Chastity. 

Exteiitaix  not  any  unchaste  thong-lit;  but  prompt- 
ly reject  all  those  that  present  themselves  to  your 
mind. 

Be  extremely  reserved  in  your  looks,  and  never 
cast  them  on  any  thing",  that  may  cause  the  flesh  to 
rebel  against  the  spirit. 

Never  utter,  nor  hearken  to,  any  words,  nor  read 
any  books,  that  may  excite  in  you  either  thoughts, 
or  emotions  contrary  to  purity. 

Never  take  any  liberties  or  permit  any  touches, 
which  may  have  a  tendency  to  the  same. 

Observe,  with  regard  to  yourselves,  all  possible 
modesty,  and  decency,  treating  your  own  body  with 
a  sort  of  reverence  and  fear. 

Embrace  courageously  all  the  means  suggested  by 
the  saints,  for  the  preservation  of  Chastity.  They  are, 
self-diffidence,  temperance,  labour,  prayei,  solitude, 
mortification,  devotion  to  the  Blessed  Virgin,  fre- 
quentation  of  the  sacraments  of  penance,  and  the 
holy  eucharist. 

Purity  of  intention. 

Do  nothing  through  human  respect,  nor  to  be  seen 
and  esteemed  by  men,  nor  merely  for  the  sake  of  in- 
terest, convenience,  glory  or  satisfaction. 

Perform  all  your  actions,  with  the  pure  view  of 


102  NECESSARY  VIRTUES. 

pleasing"  God,  and  accustom  yourself  to  refer  them 
all  to  him  alone.  Do  so  in  the  morning-,  as  soon  as 
you  awake;  at  the  beginning-  of  every  action;  and 
also,  while  you  perform  the  action  itself,  elevating 
your  heart,  from  time  to  time,  to  God,  and  saying-  to 
him:  "Lord!  'tis  for  thee  I  do  this,  'tis  for  thy  ho- 
nour and  g-lory;  'tis  to  accomplish  thy  holy  will." 

Undertake  to  produce  these  acts  a  certain  number 
of  times  every  day.  Beg-in,  at  first,  by  a  small  num- 
ber, and  gradually  increase  them,  until  you  have  con- 
tracted a  habit  of  frequently  raising-  your  heart  to 
God  during-  your  actions,  so  as  to  reg-ard  nothing-  in 
them  but  God  alone. 

You  oug-ht  not  to  leave  off  this  exercise,  until  you 
come  to  perform  all  your  actions,  as  if  God,  not 
creatures,  were  the  immediate  object  of  your  ser- 
vice. That,  in  doing-  them,  you  may  be  penetrated 
with  a  sense  of  his  love,  and  placing-  all  your  joy,  and 
contentment  in  the  accomplishment  of  his  divine  will, 
you  may  make  it  appear,  that  they  are  much  less  the 
effect  of  your  own  will,  than  of  divine  love  which 
reig-ns  in  you. 

This  is  the  true  exercise  of  the  presence  of  God, 
which  you  oug-ht  always  to  have  before  your  eyes, 
and  of  that  continual  prayer,  in  which  you  should 
strive  to  persevere.  Nothing-  can  be  more  conducive, 
than  this,  to  your  spiritual  advancement,  nor  more 
effectual,  to  make  you  perform  all  your  actions  with 
perfection. 

Conformity  to  the  will  of  God. 
Receive  all  things,  of  whatever  nature  they  may 
be,  or  in  whatever  way  they  may  happen  to  you,  as 


PRESERVATIVES  AGAINST  SIN.        103 

coming"  from  the  hand  of  God,  who  sends  them  with 
the  tender  love,  and  compassionate  bowels  of  a  fa- 
ther, for  your  greater  gt)od.  Conform  yourself  en- 
tirely to  his  divine  will  on  all  occasions,  as  if  you 
heard  Jesus  Christ  himself  saying  to  you:  "  my  child, 
I  would  have  you  do,  or  suffer  this,  for  love  of  me." 

Make  every  endeavour  to  advance  daily  in  this  con- 
formity to  the  will  of  God.  1st  Support,  with  pa- 
tience, all  the  evils  that  shall  befall  you.  2d.  Ac- 
cept them  with  promptitude  and  willingness.  3d. 
Embrace  them  with  joy,  because  it  is  the  will  of  God. 

Never  omit  any  thing  which  you  know  to  be  the 
will  of  God,  or  which  may  contribute  to  his  glory. 
Endeavouring-  in  this,  to  imitate  the  Saviour  of  the 
world,  who  did  continually,  what  was  most  pleasing" 
to  his  Father.     John,  viii.  29. 

What  has  been  said  of  mortification  will  be  prac- 
tised with  more  perfection,  and  more  benefit  to  the 
soul,  if  we  blend  it  with  the  exercise  of  conformity 
to  the  divine  will,  by  receiving  all  thing's  as  coming" 
from  the  hand  of  God.  For  by  this  means,  the  prac- 
tice will  not  only  become  more  easy,  but  it  will  be 
more  pleasing  and  profitable;  because  it  will  become 
an  exercise,  performed  through  love  for  God. 

PRESERVATIVES  AND  REMEDIES  AGAINST  SIN. 

The  most  general  prescriptions  against  all  kinds  of 
sin,  are,  frequent  and  fervent  prayer;  meditation,  and 
consideration  on  the  four  last  things,  and  on  the  other 
great  Christian  truths;  frequenting  the  sacraments 
with  due  preparation;  reading"  spiritual  books;  daily 
examinations  of  conscience;  devotion  to  the  passion 


104       PRESERVATIVES  AGAINST  SIN. 

of  Christ,  to  his  blessed  mother,  and  to  the  saints;  a 
continual  watchfulness  over  yourself;  giving-  alms  ac- 
cording- to  your  ability;  daily  mortifying- your  inclina- 
tions; chastising-  your  body;  and  particularly  taking- 
care  to  shun  the  occasions  of  sin,  and  to  resist  the 
first  motions  of  evil. 

Against  Pride. 

Pride  is  an  inordinate  love,  which  man  conceives 
of  his  own  excellence.  Effectually  to  combat  this 
sin,  study,  and  endeavour  to  know  yourself,  and  of- 
ten reflect  on  the  meanness  of  your  extraction;  your 
body  from  dirt  and  corruption,  and  your  soul  from 
nothing-.  Consider  the  many  miseries  of  your  present 
condition;  your  perpetual  reluctance  to  g-ood,  and 
inclination  to  evil;  the  certainty  of  death,  and  the 
uncertainty  of  your  eternal  lot.  Above  all,  consider 
what  a  deplorable  fig-ure,  a  soul  in  mortal  sin  makes, 
in  the  sig-ht  of  God.  How  often  has  not  this  been 
your  case?  Is  it  not  so  at  present?  Ah!  what  should 
be  your  confusion  then,  and  your  horror!  You  have 
deserved  eternal  damnation!  And  after  all,  dare  you 
lift  up  your  head  through  pride  ? 

Set  before  your  eyes  the  example  of  Christ,  who 
humbled  himself  to  the  death  of  the  cross,  to  cure 
your  pride;  and  who  particularly  calls  upon  all  his  fol- 
lowers, to  learn  from  him  to  be  "meek  and  humble 
of  heart,"  St.  Matt.  xi.  29,  and  declares,  that  "un- 
less they  become  as  little  ones,  they  shall  not  enter 
into  the  kingdom  of  heaven."  St.  Matt,  xviii.  3. 

Meditate  often  upon  the  g-reat  injury,  which  the 
soul  sustains  from  the  sin  of  pride,  which  corrupts  it? 


PRESERVATIVES  "AGAINST  SIN.        105 

very  vitals,  and  lays  it  open  to  all  evils;  because  God 
resists  the  proud,  and  withdraws  his  gTaces  from  them. 

Consider  the  dreadful  punishments,  which  Lucifer 
and  his  companions  have  drawn  upon  themselves,  by 
this  sin,  and  the  bitter  sentence  it  entailed  upon  our 
first  parents,  the  effects  of  which  are  so  severely  felt 
by  their  posterity. 

Accustom  yourself  to  both  interior  and  exterior 
acts  of  humility,  and  contempt  of  yourself.  Highly 
prize,  and  daily  beg  of  God  this  necessary  virtue;  and 
willingly  embrace  humiliations,  as  often  as  they  are 
offered. 

With  regard  to  the  things,  which  most  commonly 
nourish  your  pride,  consider  how  little  reason  you  have 
to  be  proud  of  them.  They  are  generally  things 
empty  and  vain,  fading  and  perishable;  such  as  world- 
ly honours,  riches,  beauty,  fine  clothes,  &c.  They 
give  no  intrinsic  value  or  worth  to  those  who  enjoy 
them,  nor  make  them  in  the  smallest  degree  better; 
but  on  the  contrary,  if  they  are  proud  of  them,  they 
render  them  odious  and  contemptible,  to  both  God 
and  man.  As  to  any  real  and  solid  goods  which  you 
may  have,  you  must  ever  remember  whose  gifts  they 
are,  and  what  a  strict  account  you  must,  one  da)',  give 
of  them;  that  humility  is  the  best  ornament  and  guar- 
dian of  them;  and  that  pride  will  not  only  make  them 
useless,  but  even  pernicious,  to  yourself  and  to  others. 

Thoroughly  to  be  convinced  of  your  guilt  of  this  sin, 
is  a  great  help  towards  overcoming  it.  Many  will 
not  believe  they  are  proud,  and  these  certainly  are  in 
a  very  dangerous  state.  For  how  can  a  person  be 
persuaded  to  seek  remedies  to  an  evil,  the  existence 
of  which  he  does  not  admit. 


106       PRESERVATIVES  AGAINST  SIN. 

Against  vain  glory. 

Vaix  glory,  which  is  nearly  related  to  pride,  is  an 
inordinate  desire,  and  love  of  being*  praised,  and  es- 
teemed by  others.  Consider  seriously,  how  short, 
how  inconstant,  how  empty  and  vain,  is  all  human 
glory,  and  all  the  praise,  and  esteem  of  men.  They 
add  nothing-  to  us  in  the  sight  of  God,  who  is  the  just, 
true,  and  eternal  Judge  of  all  merit.  What  we  -are 
in  his  sight,  that  only  is  what  we  are,  in  reality,  and 
nothing  more. 

Consider  how  great,  and  how  pernicious  an  evil 
vain  glory  is.  It  robs  God  of  his  glory,  and  man  of 
the  reward  of  his  good  works.  It  corrupts  the  best 
actions,  and  makes  the  actors  liable  to  the  divine  ven- 
geance.. Besides,  what  a  brood  of  vices  does  not  vain 
glory  produce  ?  Envy,  detraction,  contention,  hypo- 
crisy, love  of  novelty,  disobedience,  generally  accom- 
pany it. 

Often  repeat  to  yourself  that  saying  of  the  apostle; 
"  What  hast  thou,  that  thou  hast  not  received?  And 
if  thou  hast  received,  why  dost  thou  glory,  as  if  thou 
hadst  not  received  it?"     1  Cor.  iv.  7. 

Against  Covetousness. 

Avarice  or  Covetousness,  is  an  inordinate  love,  and 
desire  of  riches,  or  worldly  goods.  To  guard  against 
this  vice,  often  meditate  on  the  danger  and  pernicious 
consequences  of  this  vice,  wliich  St.  Paul  calls  "the 
root  of  all  evils,"  1  Tim.  vi.  10.  He  affirms  also,  that 
**  they  who  will  become  rich,  fall  into  temptation,  and 
into  the  snares  of  the  devil,  and  into  many  unprofitable, 
and  hurtful  desires,  wliich  drown  men  in  destruction 


PRESERVATIVES*  AGAINST  SIN.        107 

and  perdition."  v.  9.  The  wise  man  tells  us,  that 
4  nothing  is  more  wicked,  than  to  love  money,  be- 
cause such  a  man  will  sell  his  very  soul."  Eccles.  x. 
10.  And  our  Saviour  himself  assures  us,  "that  no 
man  can  serve  God  and  Mammon."  St.  Matt,  vi  24. 

Remember  that  these  riches,  which  worldings  so 
much  covet,  if  you  form  a  judgment  of  them,  by  the 
light  of  faith,  and  the  maxims  of  the  gospel,  are  more 
to  be  feared,  than  desired,  because  of  the  many  occa- 
sions of  sin,  to  which  they  commonly  expose  the  soul. 
Hence  our  Saviour  exclaims,  "  Wo  to  you  that  are 
rich,  for  you  have  your  consolation."  St  Luke,  vi.  24. 
And  declares,  "that  it  is  easier  for  a  camel  to  pass 
through  the  eye  of  a  needle,  than  for  a  rich  man  to 
enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven."  St.  Matt.  xix.  24. 

Place  before  your  eyes  the  example  of  Christ,  who 
chose  to  be  born  in  poverty,  and  to  die  in  poverty, 
though  he  was  the  Lord  of  all.  His  chief  favourites 
were  chosen  from  among  the  poor,  and  despised. 
These  he  pronounces  blessed,  St.  Luke,  vi.  Consider 
the  treasures  of  a  happy  eternity,  whicli  he  has  pre- 
pared for  the  "  poor  in  spirit."  St  Matt.  v.  And  often 
reflect  upon  that  sentence,  "  What  doth  it  profit  a  man 
if  he  gain  the  whole  world,  and  lose  his  own  soul?" 
5t  Matt.  xvi.  26.  Frequently  reflect  on  death.  It  will 
3oon  strip  you  of  all  you  possess.  In  separating  you 
from  your  riches,  the  pain  it  will-inflict  will  be  severe, 
m  proportion  to  the  ardour,  with  which  your  heart  has 
cleaved  to  them.  "  They  have  slept  their  sleep,  and  the 
men  of  riches  have  found  nothing  in  their  hands."  Ps. 
Ixxt .  6.  "  We  brought  nothing  into  this  world,  and  cer- 
tainly we  can  carry  nothing  out;  but  having  food  and 
covering,  with  these  we  are  content."    1  Tim.  vi.  7. 


108        PRESERVATIVES  AGAINST  SIX. 

Consider,  that  the  riches  of  this  world,  which  the 
gospel  calls  deceitful,  disturb  the  soul  with  many  cares, 
anxieties,  and  solicitudes;  and  instead  of  satisfying", 
increase  its  thirst.  Whereas  a  competency  for  the 
support  of  this  transitory  life,  may  be  obtained  with- 
out all  this  solicitude,  truth  itself  having-  engaged  his 
word.  "  Seek  ye  therefore  first  the  kingdom  of  God, 
and  his  justice;  and  all  these  things  shall  be  added 
unto  you."  St.  Matt.  vi.  S3.  Hence,  "Let your  man- 
ners," says  the  apostle,  "be  without  avarice,  contented 
with  such  tilings  as  you  have;"  for  he  has  said,  "  I  will 
not  leave  thee;  neither  will  I  forsake  thee."  Heb.  xiii.  5. 

The  rich  who  are  hard  and  unmerciful  to  the  poor, 
ought  to  be  mindful  of  the  last  judgment,  and  of  the 
sentence  which  shall  then  be  pronounced  against  such 
as  have  not  done  alms.  They  should  remember,  that 
mercy  is  promised  to  the  merciful;  but  "judgment 
without  mercy,  to  him  that  hath  not  showed  mercy." 
St.  James,  ii.  13.  That  the  poor  are  the  members  of 
Christ,  and  that,  what  we  do  to  them,  he  takes  as 
done  to  himself.     St.  Matt.  xxv. 

On  the  other  hand,  the  poor,  who  are  uneasy  at 
their  condition,  and  are  tempted  to  covet  what  the 
world  calls  a  better  fortune,  ought  often  to  set  before 
their  eyes  their  Saviour,  either  in  the  crib  of  Bethle 
hem,  or  on  the  cross  upon  Mount  Calvary:  and,  con 
templating  his  poverty,  embrace  theirs,  as  the  badge 
of  Christ. 

But  it  is  the  common  misfortune  of  the  covetous, 
whether  they  be  rich  or  poor,  not  to  believe,  that 
they  are  covetous,  but  to  delude  themselves  under 
the  specious  cover  of  pretended  necessities.  The 
first,    and    most   necessary    prescription    therefore 


PRESERVATIVES  AGAINST  SIN.        109 

against  avarice,  is,  that  you  study  and  know  yourself, 
and  by  humble,  and  fervent  prayer,  obtain  this  self- 
knowledge  from  God,  without  which,  it  is  to  be  fear- 
ed, all  other  remedies  will  prove  ineffectual. 

Against  Lust. 

Lttst  is  an  inordinate  love  of  carnal  pleasures.  To 
lefend  yourself  against  this  subtle  vice,  shun  all  the 
jccasions  of  it;  such  as  immodest  books  and  plays, 
wanton  caresses,  indiscreet  freedoms,  &c. ;  and  most 
particularly,  bad  company,  and  all  conversation  with 
persons  with  whom  you  have  sinned. 

Avoid  idleness,  and  be  very  temperate  in  eating 
and  drinking. 

Keep  a  watch  over  your  eyes,  that  death  may  not 
enter  by  them;  and  resist  with  vigour  the  first  be- 
ginnings of  these  temptations. 

Be  diligent  in  all  spiritual  exercises,  such  as  medi- 
tation, prayer,  spiritual  reading,  frequenting  the  sa- 
craments, 8cc. 

Think  often  upon  the  passion  of  Christ;  and  par- 
ticularly in  the  time  of  temptation,  have  recourse  to 
this  meditation. 

Be  devout  to  the  blessed  Virgin,  and  to  the  saints. 

Remember  that  God  sees  you,  and  that  your  guar- 
dian angels  are  present  with  you;  and  blush  to  do 
before  them,  what  you  should  blush  to  do  in  the 
sight  of  any  man. 

Think  of  the  dreadful  punishments,  which  God 
has  so  often  inflicted  on  account  of  this  vice;  tha 
many  mischiefs  it  causes  both  to  soul  and  body;  the 
blindness  and  hardness  of  heart  it  usually  produces; 
and,  in  fine,  the  everlasting*  torments  of  hell,  which 
10 


110      PRESERVATIVES  AGAINST  SIN. 

such  sinners,  without  repentance,  will  be  plunged 
into. 

Be  very  humble:  for  it  is  frequently  a  judgment 
of  God  to  suffer  persons  to  fall  into  these  shameful 
sins,  in  punishment  of  their  pride. 

In  time  of  temptation  turn  away  the  eyes  of  your 
soul,  as  much  as  possible,  from  the  temptation,  and 
have  immediate  recourse  to  Clirist  crucified,  and 
with  all  fervour  implore  his  mercy,  8cc. 

Against  anger. 

Agaixst  anger,  hatred,  and  desire  of  revenge,  you 
should  endeavour  to  humble  and  despise  yourself; 
for  anger  springs  from  pride.  You  should  often  re- 
member what  your  sins  have  deserved,  and  how  little 
reason  you  have  to  take  it  ill,  that  any  of  God's  crea- 
tures should  offend  you,  who  have  so  often,  and  so 
grievously  offended  your  Creator;  and  who  if  you 
had  your  just  deserts,  should  be  trampled  on  by  devils 
for  all  eternity. 

Reflect  on  the  meekness,  and  charity  of  Jesus 
Christ;  who  particularly  calls  upon  all  his  followers 
to  learn  these  virtues  of  him:  "Learn  of  me,  because 
I  am  meek  and  humble  of  heart."  St  Matt.  xi.  29. 
"I  give  you  a  new  commandment,  that  you  love  one 
another,  as  I  have  loved  you."  St  John,  xiii.  34. 
And  who  so  often  declares,  that  except  we  forgive 
injuries  from  our  hearts,  God  will  never  forgive  us. 

Consider  in  the  morning  what  occasions  may  pro- 
bably occur  in  the  day,  in  which,  you  will  be  in  dan. 
ger  of  being  provoked  to  anger.  Decline  the  occa- 
sions; or,  if  this  cannot  be  done,  prepare  and  arm 
yourself  against  them  by  good  resolutions,  grounded 


PRESERVATIVES  AGAINST  SIN.        Ill 

upon  the  love  of  God,  and  by  earnest  prayers  for  his 
divine  assistance. 

"When  you  find  the  motions  of  wrath  rising-  in  your 
heart,  resist  them  without  delay,  and  strive  to  sup- 
press them,  calling"  upon  God  for  his  help.  If  possi- 
ble leave  the  company,  or  at  least  be  silent,  or  say 
nothing-,  but  what  may  be  meek,  and  humble. 

In  all  occurrences  consider,  not  so  much  the  man, 
from  whom  you  think  you  have  received  an  injury  or 
provocation,  as  God,  ever  good,  and  ever  just,  with- 
out whose  pleasure  or  permission  nothing-  happens  in 
this  world,  and  who,  upon  these  occasions,  is  pleased 
that  we  should  be  thus  tried,  or  chastised  for  our  sins. 
How  many  motives  have  not  Christians  to  love,  and 
bear  with,  one  another  >  We  are  all  children  of  the 
same  Father,  the  God  of  love  and  peace,  and  of  the 
same  mother,  the  church  of  God.  We  are  all  bre- 
thren in  Christ.  He  has  loved  us  all  to  such  a  de- 
gree, as  to  shed  his  blood  for  us;  and  in  return  for 
this  love,  he  desires  that  we  should  love  one  another. 
We  all  partake  of  his  body,  and  blood,  in  the  sacra- 
ment of  unity  and  love:  we  all  aspire  to  the  same 
heavenly  country,  the  place  of  everlasting1  peace  and 
love.  And  therefore  it  is  with  reason,  our  dying-  Lord 
made  this  love,  the  true  test,  by  which  it  is  to  be 
known,  whether  we  are  his  disciples  or  not;  "By  this 
shall  all  men  know  that  ye  are  my  disciples,  if  you 
have  love  one  for  another."     St.  John,  xiii.  35. 

Against  impatience. 
Against  impatience  in  poverty,  sickness,  pains,  la- 
bours, and  afflictions  of  what  kind  soever,  it  is  pro- 
per to  set  before  your  eyes  the  poverty,  labours  and 


112       PRESERVATIVES  AGAINST  SEN. 

passion  of  Jesus  Christ,  who  by  his  patience  redeem- 
ed us;  to  reflect  on  the  sufferings  of  the  martyrs,  and 
the  examples  of  all  the  saints,  who  through  many 
tribulations  have  entered  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven: 
and  to  remember  that  there  is  no  other  way  to  that 
kingdom  of  everlasting  rest  and  joy,  but  the  way  of 
the  cross.  The  sufferings  of  this  life  bear  no  pro- 
portion with  the  happiness  of  the  next.  These  light 
and  momentary  troubles,  borne  with  patience,  will 
work  in  you  an  eternal  weight  of  glory. 

These  sufferings  are  sent  you  from  God.  It  is  in 
vain  to  resist  his  holy  will,  and  foolish  and  sinful  to 
repine  at  it.  His  infinite  wisdom  knows  what  is  best 
for  you,  and  Ins  infinite  goodness  sends  you  that 
which  he  knows  to  be  the  best:  impatience  will  only 
make  your  cross  the  heavier,  and  make  you  lose  the 
reward  of  it. 

Great  indeed  are  the  advantages  of  temporal  afflic- 
tions. They  wean  us  from  the  love  of  the  world; 
teach  us  to  have  recourse  to  God,  and  put  our  trust  in 
him  alone.  They  make  us  enter  into  ourselves;  and 
give  us  an  opportunity  of  exercising  the  greater  vir- 
tues of  humility,  patience,  and  resignation,  and  afford 
us  the  means  of  doing  penance  for  our  sins.  How 
many  are  now  Saints  in  Heaven,  who  would  never 
have  readied  that  blessed  abode,  except  through  af- 
fliction ? 

Meditate  often,  in  the  time  of  your  sufferings,  upon 
the  multitude  of  your  sins,  and  what  you  have  deserv- 
ed for  them — upon  the  eternal  torments  of  hell — upon 
the  shortness  of  the  sufferings  of  this  life,  and  the 
everlasting  joys  of  heaven,  to  which  patient  suffering 
will  bring  you. 


PRESERVATIVES  AGAINST  SIN.        113 

In  all  your  suffering's,  have  recourse  to  Jesus  Christ 
crucified.  Beg- of  him  the  gTace  of  patience.  Offer 
up  all  you  suffer  to  him,  to  be  united  to  his  suffer- 
ings, and  to  be  sanctified  and  accepted  through  him. 
"Lord,  give  mc  grace  to  suffer  with  patience  what 
thou  sendest,  and  send  what  thou  pleasest." 

Against  Gluttony  and  Drunkenness. 

Signers  addicted  to  gluttony,  and  drunkenness, 
should  seriously  consider  the  many  evil  consequences 
of  these  crimes.  They  chang-e  men  into  brutes;  rob 
them  of  their  reason;  destroy  their  health;  shorten 
their  lives;  and  consume  their  substance.  They  dis- 
turb the  peace  of  their  families;  withdraw  from  their 
wives  and  children  their  necessary  subsistence;  and 
give  scandal  and  ill  example  to  their  neighbours. 
They  foment  their  passions;  open  the  g-ate  to  all  other 
sins;  make  their  souls  dull,  and  insensible  to  all  that 
isg-ood;  unfit  for  prayer,  and  contemplation,  and  per- 
fectly slaves  to  their  sensual  inclinations.  So  that  as 
we  daily  see,  of  all  vices,  there  is  none  more  difficult 
to  be  cured.  For,  when  these  sins  have  once  come 
to  a  habit,  they  generally  follow  men  to  their  gTaves, 
and  plung-e  them  into  hell.  There,  with  the  rich 
g-lutton,  they  will  thirst  for  all  eternity,  and  never 
obtain  so  much  as  one  drop  of  water  to  refresh  them- 
selves. 

Let  them  often  meditate  upon  the  following"  sen- 
tences of  holy  writ:  ""Wo  to  you  that  are  mighty 
to  drink  wine;  and  stout  men  at  drunkenness." 
Isaiah,  v.  22.  "Take  heed  to  yourselves,  lest  per- 
haps your  hearts  be  overcharged  with  surfeiting",  and 
drunkenness,  and  that  day  come  upon  you  sudden- 
10* 


114       PRESERVATIVES  AGAINST  SIN. 

ly."  St.  Luke,  xxi.  34.  "  Let  us  cast  off  the  works 
of  darkness,  and  put  on  the  armour  of  light  Let  U5 
walk  honestly  as  in  the  day,  not  in  rioting-  and  drunk- 
enness," &c.  Bom.  xiii.  12.  "Be  not  deceived, 
neither  fornicators — nor  drunkards — shall  possess  the 
kingdom  of  God."  1  Car.  vi.  9.  "The  works  of  the 
flesh  are  manifest,  which  are  fornication,  drunken 
ness,  revellings,  and  such  like;  of  which  I  foretell 
you,  as  I  have  before  told  to  you,  that  they,  who  do 
such  things,  shall  not  obtain  the  kingdom  of  God." 
Gal.  v.  19.  "  Many  walk,  of  whom  I  have  told  you 
often,  and  now  tell  you  weeping,  that  they  are  ene- 
mies of  the  cross  of  Christ;  whose  end  is  destruction, 
whose  God  is  their  belly,"  &c.   Philip,  iii.  16. 

They  should  carefully  shun  the  occasions  of  these 
sins,  such  as  taverns  and  other  public  houses,  feasts, 
drunken  companions,  &c.  and  should  restrict  them- 
selves to  a  certain  quantity,  not  to  be  exceeded;  pun- 
ishing themselves  with  fasting  and  abstinence,  if  they 
should  transgress. 

By  daily  prayer,  and  tears,  they  should  beg  of  God, 
through  the  thirst  which  Jesus  Christ  suffered  upon 
the  cross,  and  the  gall  and  vinegar  which  he  took,  to 
show  mercy  to  them,  and  to  deliver  them  from  such 
wicked  and  pernicious  habits. 

Against  Envy. 
Exvt  is  a  repining  at  another's  good,  which  the  en- 
vious man  conceives  to  be  an  evil  to  himself,  as  les- 
sening the  excellence,  and  esteem  at  which  he  aims. 
So  that  envy,  though  commonly  reckoned  amongst  the 
capital  sins,  on  account  of  the  many  other  sins  that 
spring  from  it,   is  indeed,  a  daughter  of  pride,  and 


PRESERVATIVES  AGAINST  SIN.        115 

vain  glory.  Consider  the  heinousness  of  this  sin, 
which  is  directly  opposite  to  chanty,  the  queen  of 
virtues.  For  charity  rejoices  at  the  glory  of  God. 
and  the  good  of  our  neighbour,  but  envy  grieves  at 
both  the  one  and  the  other. 

Reflect  on  the  dreadful  consequences  of  this  sin, 
when  once  it  has  dominion  in  the  heart.  It  was  envy 
that  made  Cain  murder  his  brother  Abel.  It  was 
envy  that  made  the  brethren  of  Joseph  sell  him  into 
Egypt.  It  was  envy  that  made  Saul  so  often  seek 
the  life  of  David.  It  was  through  envy  that  the  Jews 
crucified  Christ.  It  is  the  sin  of  the  devil,  who  con- 
tinually seeks  our  ruin,  out  of  pure  envy,  without  any 
advantage  to  himself. 

Consider,  that  the  nature  of  this  sin  is  such,  as  to 
yield  no  manner  of  pleasure  or  profit  to  the  sinner; 
but  only  to  gnaw  and  torture  his  soul,  and  to  make 
him  miserable  here,  and  hereafter.  Ah!  how  unhap- 
pv  are  they,  who  create  evil  to  themselves  on  account 
of  another's  good;  and  how  wilfully  blind,  to  prefer 
the  bitterness,  and  racking  pains  of  envy,  before  the 
joys  and  sweetness  of  charity. 

Lay  the  axe  to  the  root  of  the  evil,  by  applying 
proper  remedies  to  pride  and  vain  glory,  from  which 
envy  springs.  Learn  to  despise  this  transitory  world, 
and  its  petty  honours,  and  to  aspire  after  eternal  glory. 

"Watch  and  pray  continually  against  so  dangerous 
an  enemy.  Pray  also  for  those  whom  you  are  tempt- 
ed to  envy,  and  speak  well  of  them  upon  all  occa- 
sions. 

Jl gainst  Sloth. 

Sloth  in  the  sense  in  which  it  is  numbered  by  Di' 
vines  among  the  capital  sins,  is  a  certain  laziness  of 


116        PRESERVATIVES  AGAINST  SUN. 

mind,  opposite  to  the  love  of  God  and  devotion.  It 
is  a  loathing1  to  begin  or  to  continue  such  thing's  as 
appertain  to  the  glory  of  God,  and  our  salvation. 
Against  sloth  it  is  proper  to  consider;  how  very  short 
the  time  of  this  life  is,  which  is  given  you  in  order  to 
labour  for  eternity.  How  precious,  then,  is  even' 
moment  of  this  short  time,  upon  the  good  use  of 
which,  an  endless  eternity  depends!  Ah!  lose  not 
then,  one  moment  of  it.  Every  moment  is  worth  an 
eternity;  because,  in  every  moment  we  may  purchase 
an  additional  degree  of  eternal  glory:  but  when  once 
the  time  is  passed,  it  never  more  returns. 

Remember  the  strict  account  that  will  one  day  be 
demanded  of  you,  by  an  all-seeing  Judge,  of  the  man- 
ner in  which  you  employed  the  whole  time  of  your 
life;  and  reflect  seriously  on  the  sentence,  that  was 
passed  upon  the  barren  fig-  tree,  and  upon  the  slothful 
servant,  that  hid  his  talent  in  the  ground. 

Set  before  your  eyes  the  examples  of  Christ  and  of 
liis  saints;  and  often  read,  and  meditate  on  their  lives. 

Meditate  also  on  such  other  subjects  as  may  help  to 
move  you  to  the  love  of  God,  and  to  fervour  in  his 
service:  such  as  considerations  on  the  divine  perfec- 
tions: on  the  love  of  God  to  us,  and  on  his  benefits 
on  the  passion  of  our  Redeemer,  and  on  the  g-lory  of 
his  heavenly  kingdom,  prepared  to  reward  your  short 
labours  here. 

Reflect  upon  the  pains  that  worldling's  take,  and 
the  dang-er  they  g-o  throug-h,  for  a  little  dirt  of  the 
earth:  and  shall  not  we  do  much  more  for  a  happy 
eternity  ? 

Remember  in  all  your  actions,  that  the  eye  of  your 
great  master  is  ever  upon  you;  and  therefore  labour 


THE  SACRAMENT  OF  PENANCE.       117 

tc  perform  them  all  to  perfection,  in  order  to  please 
Lim. 

Prescribe  to  yourself  a  regulation  of  your  time,  and 
a  diversity  in  your  good  exercises,  that  thus  you  may 
make  that  easy  and  agTeeable,  which  otherwise  might 
be  tedious  and  distasteful. 


OF  THE  SACRAMENT  OF  PENANCE. 

Pkvahce  is  a  voluntary  punishing-  of  ourselves,  in 
order  to  satisfy  the  justice  of  God  for  the  offences 
committed  against  him.  Reason,  enlightened  by  rev- 
elation, perceives  the  necessity  of  this  reparation  to 
the  injured  majesty  of  God;  and  mankind,  from  the 
commencement  of  the  world,  made  use  of  it,  as  a 
manifestation  of  their  regret  for  sin,  and  as  an  ear- 
nest of  their  desire  to  atone  for  it  to  the  utmost  of 
their  abilities. 

Considered  as  a  sacrament  of  the  new  law,  penance 
has  been  instituted  by  Jesus  Christ,  to  efface  the  sins 
committed  after  baptism.  On  the  great  day  of  his 
resurrection,  when  he  gloriously  triumphed  over  the 
powers  of  darkness,  wishing  to  extend  to  the  most 
distant  generations,  the  blessings  he  had  purchased 
at  the  price  of  his  blood,  his  apostles  being  assembled, 
he  breathed  upon  them,  saying;  Receive  ye  the  Holy 
Ghost,  whose  sins  you  shall  forgive,  they  are  forgiven, ■ 
and  whose  sins  you  shall  retain,  they  are  retained,- 
adding  this  consoling  commission;  Go,  teach  all  na- 
tions— Behold  I  am  with  you  all  days,  even  to  the  con- 
summation  of  the  luorld. 

By  these  decisive  words,  he  gave  to  his  apostles, 


118   THE  SACRAMENT  OF  PENANCE. 

and  to  their  successors,  the  power  of  forgiving",  and 
of  retaining  the  sins  of  the  faithful,  and  by  a  neces- 
sary  inference,  imposed  upon  the  faithful,  who  should 
have  the  misfortune  of  falling  into  sin,  the  obligation 
of  applying  to  them  for  this  remission.  To  obtain 
this  remission,  three  acts  are  required,  namely,  con 
fession,  contrition,  and  satisfaction. 

In  order  that  these  essential  acts  should  produce 
the  effect  intended,  certain  conditions  and  disposi- 
tions arc  necessary. 

Confession,  must  be;  1,  entire,  including  all  mortal 
sins,  their  nature,  their  number,  and  ever)'  aggravat- 
ing circumstance,  as  far  as  the  penitent  can  discover 
them,  after  a  diligent  examination;  2,  clear,  that  is, 
without  obscure  or  ambiguous  terms;  3,  short,  con- 
taining no  more  than  is  necessary,  to  make  the  peni- 
tent be  rightly  understood;  4,  sorrowful,  accompa- 
nied with  sincere  sentiments  of  grief  and  regret  for 
the  sins  accused;  5,  humble,  that  is,  the  penitent 
must,  with  religious  confusion,  acknowledge  himself 
goiilty,  without  attempting*  to  lessen  the  grievousness 
of  his  sin,  and  be  disposed  to  comply  with  the  direc- 
tions of  his  confessor. 

The  contrition,  or  sorrow  required,  must  be  such, 
that  the  sinner  sincerely  detest  and  hate  his  sin,  either 
because  it  is  offensive  to  God,  who  is  in  himself  in- 
finitely amiable,  and  from  whom  he  has  received  so 
many  marks  of  tenderness,  or,  because  it  is  produc 
tive  of  eternal  misery  to  lus  soul,  and  of  the  loss  of 
his  supreme  good.  This  sorrow  and  sincere  detesta- 
tion of  the  sin  committed,  must  include  a  firm  reso- 
lution of  changing  his  wicked  mode  of  life,  and  of 
never  more  consenting  to  sin. 


THE  SACRAMENT  OF  PENANCE.        119 

Satisfaction,  to  form  part  of  the  sacrament  of  pen- 
ance, must  be  sincerely  accepted  and  duly  perform- 
ed. The  acceptance  of  it  must  be,  1,  humble,  the 
penitent  submitting"  himself  to  the  judgment  of  his 
confessor,  as  he  would  to  that  of  his  judg*e,  his  fa- 
ther, his  physician,  and  to  that  of  him  who  holds  the 
place  of  God;  2,  voluntary,  acknowledging  that  the 
punishment  imposed  upon  him,  is  far  less  than  what 
he  should  suffer  to  satisfy  divine  justice;  3,  sincere, 
with  a  true  resolution  to  perform  all  that  is  enjoined. 

The  penance  must  be  performed  without  repining*, 
and  without  trouble,  the  penitent  devoutly  offering 
it  to  God,  as  an  atonement  for  the  injury  he  has  done 
him  by  his  sins.  When  he  cannot  perform  the  pen- 
ance enjoined  him,  he  must  at  least  have  the  desire 
of  doing-  so. 

Such  is  the  nature  of  this  sacrament,  which  our 
bountiful  Redeemer  has  graciously  established,  to 
enable  the  sinner  to  recover  his  baptismal  innocence, 
which  he  had  lost  by  mortal  sin,  and  to  restore  him 
to  sanctifying"  grace.  That  this  merciful  institution 
may  not  be  frustrated  of  its  ends,  and  that  the  sin- 
ner may  obtain,  throug-h  it,  the  pardon  of  his  of- 
fences, let  him  seriously  attend  to  these  five  points. 

1.  The  examination  of  conscience,  that  he  may 
know  all  his  sins. 

2.  A  heart-felt  sorrow,  for  having"  committed 
them. 

3.  A  firm  resolution  never  to  commit  them  again. 

4.  A  candid  and  humble  confession  of  them  to  a 
priest,  empowered  to  absolve. 

5.  An  intention  of  satisfying"  God,  and  his  neigh- 
bour also,  if  injured. 


120     PREPARATION  FOR  CONFESSION. 

A  Protestation  before  examination  of  Con- 
science. 

O  God,  the  searcher  of  hearts!  behold,  I 
here  protest  in  thy  presence,  that  what  I  now 
design  is  sincerely  for  the  honour  of  thy  name, 
and  because  I  heartily  desire  to  be  delivered 
from  the  guilt  of  my  sins.  I  come  to  this  sa- 
crament of  Penance,  that,  complying  with  thy 
holy  institution,  I  may  obtain  thy  blessing  and 
thy  pardon,  as  thou  hast  promised.  May  thy 
holy  grace  assist  me  for  performing  this  great 
duty  well,  as  it  is  thy  mercy  which  hast  called 
me  to  it. 

Think  most  seriously,  and  with  the  liveliest  grati- 
tude, on  all  the  benefits  God  hath  so  largely  heaped 
on  you,  and  particularly  for  the  grace  he  bestows,  in 
giving"  you  this  Sacrament,  as  a  remedy  for  your 
sins. 

How  great  are  my  obligations  to  thee,  0 
my  God!  for  thus  providing  me,  after  my  dis- 
grace, with  the  means  of  a  perfect  reconcilia- 
tion. To  have  purified  me  in  the  waters  of 
Baptism  was  not  enough;  thou  hast  left  me 
the  waters  of  Penance  to  cleanse  me  still  from 
my  iniquities.  For  this,  hast  thou  left  to  the 
Church  in  the  person  of  thy  Apostles,  the 
power  of  remitting  our  offences:  Receive  ye 
the  Holy  Ghost;  whose  sins  ye  shall  forgive, 
they  are  forgiven  them.  What  excessive 
goodness  in  thee!  0!  most  bountiful  God! 
What  an  advantage  to  poor  sinners,  to  have 
established  a  tribunal  for  them  always  open. 


PREPARATION  FOR  CONFESSION.      121 

where  they  may  be  received  into  favour!  Can  I 
ever  be  insensible  to  so  striking  a  mark  of  thy 
bounty?  It  is  I,  who  have  withdrawn  myselt 
from  thee,  by  the  formal  contempt  of  thy  law; 
and  thou  art  pleased  to  make  the  first  advances 
to  meet  me!  O  Father  of  mercy,  and  God  of 
goodness!  be  thou  for  ever  blessed!  Give  me 
leave  to  fly  to  this  powerful  refug'e,  and  permit 
not  that,  by  a  new  ingratitude,  I  should  abuse 
this  resource  of  salvation.  It  is  not  human 
respect,  or  custom,  that  brings  me  at  present 
to  this  Sacrament,  it  is  a  sincere  regret  for 
having  incurred  thy  displeasure.  Who  can 
be  at  rest,  O  my  God!  when  he  knows  he  is 
thy  enemy,  and  that  he  has  offended  the  very 
best  of  Fathers? 

A  prayer  before  examination  of  conscience. 

Beg"  God  to  make  your  sins  known  to  you,  and  to 
give  you  a  true  sense  of  their  malice.  Prostrate 
yourself  in  spirit  at  the  feet  of  your  Redeemer,  as 
Magdalen  did,  when  she  washed  them  with  her  tears; 
or  transport  yourself  in  idea  to  Mount  Calvary,  and 
there  beneath  his  Cross,  pour  forth  your  prayers  to 
him,  resolved  to  acquit  yourself  of  tins  confession,  as 
if  it  were  to  be  your  last. 

0  Holy  Ghost!  Eternal  Source  of  Light! 
mercifully  deign  to  enlighten  my  understand- 
ing, let  nothing  escape  the  exact  research  I 
am  about  to  make.  Thou,  who  hast  created 
me,  and  who  art  to  be  my  judge,  dost  fully 
and  clearly  behold  my  heart;  show  me  now 
my  sins,  as  clearly,  as  I  shall  know  them, 
11 


122     PREPARATION  FOR  CONFESSION. 

when,  at  quitting  this  life,  I  must  appear  be- 
fore thee  to  undergo  thy  judgment.  My  busi- 
ness at  present  is  to  prevent  the  rigour  of  it; 
and  if  I  were  to  be  deficient  this  day  in  ex- 
actness and  sincerity,  in  examining  and  ac- 
cusing myself,  thou  wouldst  most  certainly 
correct,  at  thy  unerring  tribunal,  the  injustice 
and  iniquity  of  such  a  proceeding.  Discover 
to  me,  then,  O  my  God!  the  secret  criminal 
thoughts,  and  irregular  desires  I  have  enter- 
tained, the  sinful  actions  I  have  committed, 
the  omissions  in  my  duty,  with  all  the  scandal 
I  have  given.  Do  not  permit  that  a  criminal 
love  for  myself,  should  now  seduce  and  blind 
me.  Remove  the  veil  it  puts  before  my  eyes, 
that  I  may  know  myself,  and  then  make  my- 
self known  by  a  sincere  and  humble  confes- 
sion to  thy  Minister. 

I  wish,  like  the  prodigal  child,  to  enter  se- 
riously into  myself,  and  without  delay,  to  for- 
sake my  evil  ways,  in  which  I  have  been 
wearied  out  in  the  pursuit  of  empty  toys,  and 
mere  shadows,  seeking  in  vain  to  satisfy  my 
thirst  with  muddy  waters,  and  my  hunger  with 
the  husks  of  swine.  I  wish  to  return  to  thee. 
O  fountain  of  life!  But,  O  my  God!  though  I 
can  go  astray  from  thee  fast  enough,  of  my- 
self, yet  I  cannot  make  one  step  towards  re- 
turning to  thee,  unless  thy  divine  grace  assist 
me. — This  grace,  then,  I  most  humbly  im- 
plore, prostrate  in  spirit  before  the  throne  of 
thy  mercy.  I  beg  it,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus 
Christ,   my  Redeemer,  who  died   upon    the 


PREPARATION  FOR  CONFESSION.      123 

Cross  for  me,  and  for  all  sinners.  Thou  hast 
said,  there  shall  be  joy  in  heaven  upon  one 
sinner  that  does  penance.  Give  me  now  thy 
grace  that  I  may  truly  repent,  and  let  heaven 
rejoice  at  my  conversion.  Assist  me  in  this 
great  work,  by  thy  heavenly  light,  that  I  may 
discover  oil  my  sins  in  their  true  colours,  and 
sincerely  detest  and  confess  them.  I  know 
thou  desirest  not  the  death  of  a  sinner,  but 
that  he  be  converted,  and  live.  I  know  thy 
mercies  are  above  all  thy  works,  and  I  most 
confidently  hope,  that  as  in  thy  mercy  thou 
hast  spared  me  so  long,  and  hast  now  given 
me  this  desire  of  returning  to  thee,  so  thou 
wilt  finish  the  work,  thou  hast  begun.  Assist 
me  in  every  part  of  my  preparation  for  it, 
and  bring  me  to  a  perfect  reconciliation  with 
thee. 

O  Glorious  Mother  of  my  God!  I  address 
myself  with  confidence  to  thee.  Thou  art  the 
mother  of  grace  and  mercy — thou  art  the  re- 
fuge of  sinners,  cast  a  look  of  compassion  on 
the  most  miserable  of  sinners,  but  one  who 
wishes  from  the  bottom  of  his  heart,  to  cease 
to  be  so,  and  to  become  a  true  penitent.  Thy 
beloved  Son  can  refuse  thee  nothing.  Obtain 
for  me  the  assistance,  I  stand  in  need  of,  to 
make  a  good  confession,  which  will  restore 
me  to  his  grace  and  love. 

O  my  good  angel  guardian!  to  whose  care 
I  am  committed,  though  I  have  so  often  turned 
a  deaf  ear  to  thy  holy  inspirations,  and  frus- 
trated the  efforts  of  thy  kind  solicitude,  I  hum- 


124     PREPARATION  FOR  CONFESSION. 

bly  conjure  thee,  now,  to  make  use  of  thy 
influence  in  my  favour,  and  to  obtain  for  me  the 
grace  properly  to  perform  this  action  so  im- 
portant to  me. 

Ye  saints  of  heaven!  and  thou  my  holy 
patron!  since  you  compassionate  our  miseries, 
interest  yourselves  in  my  behalf,  that  my  en- 
deavours to  make  a  sincere  confession  may  be 
successful. 

Examine  yourself  carefully  on  the  sins  you  have 
committed  since  your  last  confession,  and  also  upon 
the  faults  you  may  have  committed  in  making-  it,  but 
do  this  without  scrupulous  anxiety.  The  obligation 
has  been  complied  with,  if  you  strove  sincerely,  and 
to  the  best  of  your  power  to  comply  with  it.  For  this 
purpose,  the  examen  must  be  such  a  one,  as  would 
be  made  in  worldly  matters,  where  it  is  your  inten- 
tion and  your  interest  not  to  be  deceived.  It  will  be 
of  great  use  in  this  examination  to  call  to  mind  the 
different  places  you  have  been  in;  your  occupations, 
and  the  persons  you  have  conversed  with,  &c. 


AN  EXAMINATION  OF  CONSCIENCE. 

SINS  AGAINST  GOD. 

In  Matters  of  Faith. 
Have  you  been  guilty  of  heresy,  or  disbelief  of 
any  article  of  faith,  or  of  voluntarily  doubting-  any  ar- 
ticle of  faith?  Have  you  rashly  exposed  yourself  to 
the  dang'er  of  infidelity,  by  reading  bad  books,  keep- 
ing wicked  company,  going  into  places  of  worship 


PREP  All  ATION  FOR  CONFESSION.      125 

belonging  to  other  communions  during  the  time  of 
their  service,  and  joining  with  them  in  their  worship' 
Have  you  by  word,  or  deed  denied  your  faith,  or 
railed  at  or  despised  holy  tilings?  Have  you  been  ig- 
norant of  the  articles  of  your  faith,  and  of  the  duties 
of  your  religion,  or  negligent  in  instructing,  or  pro- 
curing the  necessary  instructions  for  those  under 
your  care  ?  Have  you  given  credit  to  dreams,  taken 
notice  of  omens,  or  made  any  other  superstitious  ob- 
servations? Have  you  used  charms  or  spells,  or  con- 
sulted fortune-tellers,  or  made  use  of  any  other  su- 
perstitious practices,  to  find  out  things  to  come,  re- 
cover things  lost,  &c.  how  often?  and  with  what  scan- 
dal, and  ill  example  to  others'1 

Of  Hope. 
Have  you  despaired  of  salvation,  or  of  the  forgive- 
ness of  your  sins?  Have  you  rashly  presumed  upon 
God's  goodness,  continuing  to  offend  him  because  he 
is  merciful;  going  on  in  your  sins,  without  any  thought 
of  amendment,  or  depending  upon  a  death  bed  re- 
pentance? Have  you  relied  upon  yourself,  rather  than 
upon  divine  grace,  or  neglected  for  a  long  time  to  re- 
turn to  God  by  repentance,  after  falling  into  mortal 
sbi? 

Of  Charity. 
Have  you  loved  any  creature  as  much,  or  more, 
than  God?  Have  you  murmured  against  the  provi- 
dence of  God,  resisted  his  inspirations,  refused  to 
submit  to  his  divine  will,  not  prevented  evil,  when 
you  could,  and  ought  to  have  done  so,  or  committed 
sin  tlu-ough  human  respect 
11* 


126     PREPARATION  FOR  CONFESSION. 

Of  Religion. 

Have  you  made  sacrilegious  confessions,  or  com- 
munions? Have  you  received  the  sacraments  of  Con- 
firmation, or  Matrimony  in  mortal  sin?  Have  you 
abused  the  holy  scriptures,  or  prophaned  holy  places, 
or  sacred  tiling's  ?  Have  you  blasphemed  God,  or  his 
Saints?  Have  you  been  negligent  in  the  divine  wor- 
ship, seldom  or  never  adoring,  and  praising  God,  or 
giving  him  thanks  for  his  benefits?  Have  you  not 
prayed  but  seldom,  or  with  little  attention?  Have  you 
not  omitted  to  make  acts  of  Faith,  Hope,  and  Chari- 
ty? Have  you  behaved  with  irreverence  in  the  House 
of  God,  or  broken  any  vow  or  solemn  promise  made 
to  him?  Have  you  neglected  to  hear  Mass  on  Sundays 
and  Holy-days  of  obligation?  have  you  heard  it  with 
wilful  distractions  ?  Or  not  taken  care  that  your  chil- 
dren, or  servants  should  hear  it?  Have  you  neglected 
confession  and  communion  at  Easter,  or  omitted  the 
penance  enjoined  you,  or  acquitted  yourself  of  these 
religious  duties  carelessly?  Have  you  refused  your 
assistance  to  the  maintenance  of  your  Pastor,  when 
reasonably  demanded,  or  to  the  necessary  expenses 
for  vestments  and  other  articles  requisite  for  the  use 
of  the  altar,  or  to  the  building  or  repairing  of  the 
house  of  God.  Have  you  sworn  falsely,  or  to  what 
you  did  not  certainly  know,  was  true,  or  false?  Have 
you  broken  your  lawful  oaths,  or  sworn  to  any  thing- 
that  was  wicked  or  unlawful?  Have  you  had  a  custom 
of  swearing-  rashly,  and  inconsiderately,  by  the  name 
of  God,  by  your  soul,  or  by  way  of  imprecation  upon 
yourself  or  others?  Have  you  sworn  by  the  blood  or 
wounds  of  Jesus  Christ,  or  any  other  blasphemous 


PREPARATION  FOR  CONFESSION.      127 

oath,  or  been  accessary  to  others  swearing",  cursing1 
or  blaspheming-?  Have  you  spent  the  Sundays  and 
Holy-days  in  idleness  or  sin,  or  been  the  occasion  cf 
others  spending  them  so?  Have  you  done  any  servile 
work  without  necessity  upon  those  days?  Have  you 
broken  the  days  of  abstinence,  or  eaten  more  than 
one  meal  on  fasting  days,  or  been  accessary  to  others 
in  so  doing?  How  often,  &c. 

SIXS  AGAINST  OUR  NEIGHBOUR. 

In   Thoughts. 

Have  you  been  deficient  in  point  of  charity  towards 
your  neighbour,  by  judging  rashly  of  him?  Have  you 
wilfully  entertained  thoughts  of  hatred,  aversion, 
rancour,  or  resentment  against  him?  Have  you,  on 
this  account,  endeavoured  to  avoid  meeting  or  speak- 
ing to  him?  Have  you  envied  him  in  his  merit,  rep- 
utation, fortune,  employments?  Have  you  conceived 
desires  of  revenge  against  him,  and  wished  that 
harm  might  befall  V_"n?  Have  you  been  hard-hearted, 
or  without  any  feeling,  or  compassion  for  him  in  his 
affliction?  Have  you  felt  in  yourself  a  secret  plea- 
sure, and  satisfaction  when  any  disgrace  happened 
to  him,  and  discontent  in  seeing  him  thrive  and 
flourish? 

These  sins  may  vary  in  their  malice,  according  to 
the  length  of  time  you  were  thus  affected,  or  the  re- 
lation you  stand  in  to  the  different  persons  in  ques- 
tion, or  according  to  the  greater  or  less  importance 
of  the  matter  under  consideration. 

In  Words. 
Have   you  spoken  harshly   to  your  neighbour — 
given   him  abusive   language — railed   at    him — mi:*- 


128     PREPARATION  FOR  CONFESSION. 

called  him — mocked  and  ridiculed  him — exposed 
him  to  scorn — affronted  him — censured  his  con- 
duct— found  fault  with  every  thing"  he  did — put 
wrong"  constructions  upon  his  actions — calumniated 
or  detracted  him — been  pleased  to  hear  others  speak 
ill  of  him — listened  to  and  encouraged  the  calumny 
or  detraction  when  you  could  prevent  such  dis- 
course? 

The  motive  for  speaking"  thus,  the  number  of  per- 
sons present,  and  the  subject  of  this  uncharitable 
language,  must  be  specified,  as  you  are  bound  to  re- 
pair the  injury  to  the  best  of  your  power. 

We  also  sin  by  ill-natured  reports  or  insinuations — 
malicious  expressions,  whether  true  or  false — by  giv- 
ing" bad  advice,  and  bad  example — by  instilling  bad 
or  dangerous  principles — by  flattering  others  or  ap- 
proving" of  evil — by  giving"  false  testimony — by  dis- 
covering" the  secrets  or  the  faults  of  others — by 
abusive  words,  reproaches,  bad  wishes,  or  impreca- 
tions, &c. 

In  Actions. 
Have  you  wronged,  deceived,  or  circumvented 
your  neighbour  in  buying  or  selling?  Have  you  in- 
jured him  by  stealing,  cheating,  usury,  extortion,  or 
any  unlawful  contract?  by  passing  false  money,  or 
using  false  weights  or  measures?  Have  you  bought, 
or  received  stolen  goods?  Have  you  contracted  debts 
without  design  of  paying  them?  You  may  also  sin  by 
wronging  your  creditors,  or  your  own  family,  by  pro- 
digal expenses — by  refusing  to  pay  your  just  debts 
when  able,  or  by  culpable  extravagance,  rendering 
yourself  unable  to  pay  them;  by  neglecting  the  work, 


PREPARATION  FOR  CONFESSION.      129 

or  business  for  which  you  were  hired,  and  which  you 
were  obliged,  by  contract,  to  perform.  In  fine,  by 
unjustly  taking"  or  keeping-  any  thing-  of  value  be- 
longing- to  another;  in  which  case  it  is  impossible  to 
obtain  forgiveness,  without  making-  restitution  to  the 
best  of  your  power. 

And  here  it  is  to  be  observed,  that  where  two,  or 
more  jointly  injure  another,  in  goods  or  reputation, 
they  are  jointly  and  severally  obliged  to  restitution; 
that  is  to  say,  they  are  bound  to  contribute  their  re- 
spective proportions  towards  repairing  the  injury, 
and  every  individual  of  them  is  answerable  be- 
fore God  for  the  whole  injury,  when  either,  or 
any  of  the  accomplices,  refuse  to  repair  their  portion 
thereof. 

In  Omissions. 
Have  you  neglected  to  succour,  comfort  and  as- 
sist your  neighbour  in  necessity?  Have  you  neglect- 
ed to  restore  ill-gotten  goods,  or  repair  injured  cha- 
racters? Have  you  refused  to  be  reconciled  to  an 
enemy,  or  to  perform  duties  of  obligation,  such  as 
respect  and  love  towards  parents,  obedience  to  su- 
periors, &c.  ? 

SIN'S  AGAIXST  OURSELVES. 

By  Pride. 
Hum  too  great  esteem  for  ourselves,  and  haugh- 
tily despising  others.  Being  too  apt  to  speak  of  our 
own  affairs,  or  in  our  own  praise.  Aspiring  to  hon- 
ours and  preferment  through  vanity.  Affecting  to 
be  humble,  or  deceiving  others  by  hypocrisy.  Being 
influenced  in  what  we  do  by  human  respects,  forob- 


130     PREPARATION  FOR  CONFESSION. 

taining  the  applause  and  esteem  of  men.  Being  too 
much  wedded  to  our  own  opinions  and  inclinations. 
Being  too  solicitous  about  our  health.  Being-  too 
fond  of  the  pleasures,  comforts  and  conveniences  of 
life. 

By  Avarice. 
Being  backward  in  giving1  alms  according-  to  our 
ability.  Squandering-  away  in  gaming,  or  in  vain  and 
foolish  expenses,  the  substance  that  Providence  hath 
given  for  the  relief  of  the  poor  and  distressed — not 
only  refusing-  them  an  alms  which  we  can  afford,  but 
refusing-  it  with  bitterness,  reproaches,  imperious, 
ill-natured  lang-uag-e,  or  with  an  insulting  air.  Being 
too  much  attached  to  the  goods  of  this  life ;  where  it 
must  ever  be  remembered,  that  whatever  is  really 
superfluous  to  us,  belongs  of  right  to  the  poor;  that 
where  there  is  much,  much  should  be  given;  <ind 
that  where  there  is  only  a  little,  even  some  of  that 
little  should  be  cheerfully  given. 

By  envy. 
Being  sorry  for  the  prosperity  of  others.     Rejoic- 
ing at  their  misfortunes.     Wishing,  with  jealousy, 
for  what  belongs  to  them. 

By  impurity . 

In  thoughts — Wilfully  dwelling  upon,  or  taking 
pleasure  in  unchaste  thoughts. 

The  penitent  must  here  mention,  whether  these 
bad  thoughts  were  entertained  during  a  considerable 
time,  and  how  long;  whether  they  were  accompanied 
with  desires  of  committing  the  evil;  whether  they 


PREPARATION  FOR  CONFESSION.      131 

caused  irregular  motions;  whether  in  a  holy  place; 
and,  finally,  whether  the  objects  of  the  sinful  desires 
were  single  or  married,  kindred  or  relations,  or  per- 
sons consecrated  to  God. 

Ix  words — Speaking-  obscenely,  or  with  a  double 
meaning,  which  is  as  bad,  if  not  worse.  Listening1 
with  pleasure  to  such  vile  language. 

This  sort  of  discourse  is  still  more  criminal  when  It 
passes  between  two  persons  of  a  different  sex. 

We  also  sin  grievously  this  way,  by  singing*  un- 
chaste songs;  by  giving  toasts  and  sentiments  contrary 
to  modesty,  or  by  permitting  them  to  be  given  when 
we  can  prevent  them,  or  by  not  retiring*  on  such  oc- 
casions. 

Ix  looks — Viewing  immodest  objects.  Reading 
bad  books.  Keeping"  indecent  pictures.  Frequent- 
ing- plays  and  public  assemblies,  which  are  but  too 
often  the  schools  of  vice,  where  dangerous  objects 
are  held  up  to  view,  and  where  vice  is  represented, 
not  in  its  native  horrible  colours,  or  consequences, 
but  as  mere  gaiety.  Comedies,  also,  are  often  so 
full  of  indecent  sentiments  and  indelicate  allu- 
sions, that  they  cannot  but  offend  a  modest  ear, 
and  have  an  immoral  tendency.  They  are  not  only 
powerful  incentives  to  this  vice,  but  are,  besides, 
evidently  unlawful,  for  the  following  reason,  viz: 
Because  we  cannot  assist  at  them  without  contribut- 
ing, by  our  purse  and  example,  to  maintain  a  set  of 
people  in  a  profession,  or  way  of  life,  which  was  al- 
ways deemed  infamous  by  the  Catholic  Church.  Un- 
der this  head,  likewise,  may  be  classed,  the  tempting 
of  others  to  sin,  by  dissolute  glances,  gestures,  or 
immodesty  in  dress  or  behaviour. 


132     PREPARATION  FOR  CONFESSION. 

Kb  actions — Abusing  and  defiling1  the  sanctity  of 
marriage,  by  such  liberties  and  irregularities  as  are 
contrary  to  the  order  of  nature.  Touching  ourselves 
or  others  immodestly.  Permitting  indecent  liberties 
to  be  taken  with  us;  and  what  their  consequences 
were. 

It  is  necessary  to  explain  every  thing,  in  order  to 
make  known  such  circumstances,  as  may  increase  or 
diminish  the  guilt,  with  as  much  modesty  as  possible; 
and  also  to  declare  whether  we  have  employed,  or 
neglected  to  employ,  the  necessary  means  of  over- 
coming this  vile  passion.  We  should  carefully  dis- 
tinguish what  is  wilful,  from  what  is  not;  an  effect 
of  deliberation,  from  one  of  mere  negligence.  Also, 
the  number  of  these  bad  actions,  or,  at  least,  the 
length  of  time  we  continued  in  the  habit  of  commit- 
ting them;  with  what  sort  of  persons  we  have  sinned 
or  desired  to  sin,  but  this  without  mentioning  their 
names.  And  as  it  too  often  happens  with  young  per- 
sons, who  have  miserably  fallen  into  a  certain  sin,  of 
a  lonely  and  abominable  nature,  either  to  conceal  this 
crime,  or  not  faithfully  to  confess  how  often  they 
have  been  guilty  of  it,  we  therefore  earnestly  be- 
seech such  to  reflect  seriously  upon  the  fatal  evils  in 
which  they  involve  themselves.  Let  them  consider, 
that  all  those  confessions,  and  the  communions  which 
follow  them,  are  only  so  many  sacrileges,  removing 
them  still  farther  from  God,  and  provoking  his  just 
indignation  against  them;  that  the  longer  they  con- 
tinue in  this  state  of  hypocrisy,  the  more  difficult  it 
must  be  to  overcome  their  bashfulness,  and  the  more 
anguish  they  must  feel  in  their  own  interior;  that  no 
practice  is  morp  destructive  of  health,  or  genius,  than 


PREPARATION  FOR  CONFESSION.      133 

this;  that  it  deforms  and  debilitates  the  wretched 
perpetrator;  that  it  must,  not  only  in  a  moral,  but 
also  in  a  physical  sense,  degTade  him  beneath  the 
rank  of  the  brute  creation,  and  render  him  contemp- 
tible to  mankind. 

By  shit  tony. 

Exceeding  the  bounds  prescribed  by  temperance. 
ig  or  drinking-  to  excess.  Exciting-  others  to  do 
so.  Not  observing  with  due  exactness  the  days  of 
fasting  and  abstinence  enjoined  by  the  church,  Ex- 
ceeding- the  quantity  which  is  usually  allowed  at  col- 
lation. 

By  anger. 

Abcsixg,  quarrelling-,  striking-  or  wishing-  evil  to 
others.  Provoking-  others  to  quarrel  or  fight.  These 
sins  are  still  more  heinous  when  parents  or  superiors 
are  the  objects  thereof. 

By  sloth. 

Neglecting  our  religious  or  moral  duties.  Per- 
forming- them  carelessly.  Leading-  a  life  of  idleness, 
voluptuousness  and  dissipation.  Passing-  our  time  un- 
profitably,  when  the  duties  of  our  state  call  us  to  la- 
bour. We  are  also  guilty,  by  following-  the  bent  of 
our  inclinations,  and  gratifying-  self-love.  By  studying- 
too  much  our  own  ease,  and  by  too  great  a  remissness 
in  mortifying-  our  passions  or  senses. 

For  ordinary  and  frequent  confessions,  you  may 
content  yourself  with  the  Examination  of  Conscience, 
vhich  is  used  at  the  Evening  devotions. 

AFFECTIONS    AND    RESOLUTION.-. 

My  Lord,  and  my  all!  I  am  confounded  at 

the  multitude  and  enormitv  of  my  offences 
13 


134     PREPARATION  FOR  CONFESSION. 

against  so  good  a  God.  I  dare  not  presume 
even  to  lift  up  my  eyes  to  heaven,  much  less 
to  come  near  thy  altar,  after  so  many  trea- 
sons against  thee.  Alas!  what  shall  I  now 
do,  O  Lord! — what  shall  I  say?  With  the 
humble  publican  I  will  strike  my  breast,  and 
cry  unto  thee;  O  God!  be  merciful  to  me,  a 
sinner. 

My  sins  exceed  in  number,  the  hairs  of  my 
head,  and  the  sands  of  the  sea.  But  thy  mer- 
cies are  still  greater  in  number  than  my  sins. 

0  ocean  of  mercy!  have  compassion  on  me,  a 
poor  miserable  sinner,  and  make  n\e,  now  at 
least,  a  true  penitent. 

Father!  I  have  sinned  against  heaven,  n\:C 
in  thy  sight,  and  am  not  worthy  to  be  cidled 
thy  child.  Oh!  receive  me  as  fixji  of  the  leas*, 
of  thy  servants,  and  never  suffu  lie  to  s.ray 
from  thee  any  more. 

It  grieves  me,  O  my  God!  th\*  I  have  offei  d- 
ed  thee.     I  am  heartily  sorry  it  r  all  the  siir. 

1  have  committed  against  try  infinite  good- 
ness. O!  that  I  could  sufficiently  lament  them, 
even  with  tears  of  blood. 

Who  will  give  water  to  my  head,  and  foun 
tains  of  tears  to  my  eyes,  that  night  and  day, 
I  may  bewail  all  my  sins,  and  my  ingratitude! 

O!  that  I  had  never  offended  my  God!  O! 
that  I  had  never  sinned!  happy  those  souls, 
who  have  never  lost  their  baptismal  inno- 
cence! Ah!  sweet  Jesus!  that  I  had  been  so 
happy! 

Have  mercy  on  me,  0  God!  according  to 


PREPARATION  FOR  COKFESSION.       135 

thy  great  mercy,  and  according  to  the  multi- 
tude of  thy  tender  mercies,  blot  out  all  my 
iniquities.  Wash  me  yet  more  from  my  ini- 
quities, and  cleanse  me  from  my  sins;  because 
I  know  my  iniquities,  and  my  sins  are  always 
before  me. 

0!  that  I  could  now,  like  Magdalen,  pros- 
trate myself  at  the  feet  of  my  Saviour!  O! 
that  I  could  wash  them  with  my  tears!  0! 
sutler  me,  dear  Lord!  to  lay  down  all  my  sins 
at  thy  feet,  to  be  cancelled  by  thy  precious 
blood. 

Lord!  thou  hast  said,  there  is  joy  in  heaven 
upon  one  sinner's  doing  penance,  more  than 
upon  ninety-nine  just:  O!  give  me  now  grace 
to  be  a  true  penitent,  indeed,  that  hereby 
heaven  may  rejoice  at  my  conversion. 

Thou  earnest,  O  my  dear  Redeemer!  not  to 
call  the  just,  but  sinners,  to  repentance.  Look 
down  upon  me,  a  poor  miserable  sinner,  and 
draw  me,  now,  powerfully  to  thee,  by  thy 
grace. 

I  know  i,hou  wiliest  not  the  death  of  a  sin- 
ner, but  that  he  be  converted,  and  live.  O! 
let  me  no  longer  remain  dead  in  my  sins!  O! 
let  me  now  at  least  begin  to  live  to  thee! 

Create  a  clean  heart  in  me,  O  God!  and  re- 
new a  right  spirit  within  my  bowels.  O!  grant 
that  I  may  now,  serve  thee  in  good  earnest! 
Let  this  be  the  change  of  the  right  hand  of 
the  Most  High! 

Thou  hast  made  me,  O  my  God!  and  re- 
deemed me  by  thy  precious  blood.  O!  despise 


136     PREPARATION  FOR  CONFESSION. 

not  the  work  of  thy  hands!  and  let  not  thy 
blood  be  spilt  for  me  in  vain! 

Too  late  have  I  known  thee,  O  eternal 
truth!  too  late  have  I  loved  thee,  0  eternal 
beauty!  too  long  have  I  gone  astray  from  thee! 
From  this  moment,  0  my  Sovereign  Good! 
[  desire  to  be  for  ever  thine.  0!  let  nothing, 
in  life,  or  death,  ever  separate  me  from  thee 
any  more! 

O  divine  lover  of  penitent  souls!  give  me 
henceforth  a  contrite  and  humble  heart.  I 
wish  from  this  hour  to  offer  this  sacrifice  to 
thee  daily,  to  the  end  of  my  life. 

0  divine  love,  how  little  art  thou  known 
in  this  wicked  world!  how  little  art  thou  loved! 
Come  now,  and  take  full  possession  of  my 
whole  heart  and  soul,  for  time  and  eternity. 

Thy  mercy  has  been  infinite,  in  bearing  so 
long  with  so  ungrateful  a  sinner,  as  I  have 
been,  and  in  daily  heaping  thy  favours  upon 
me.  Add  this  one  favour,  0  Lord!  to  all  the 
rest,  that  henceforth  through  thy  grace,  I  may 
never  offend  thee  more.  This  one  thing  I 
earnestly  beg  of  thee,  for  thy  infinite  mercy's 
sake,  and  through  the  death,  and  passion  of 
thy  only  Son.  Hear  this  one  prayer,  I  be- 
seech thee,  and  in  all  things  else  do  with  me 
-what  thou  pleasest. 

1  am  resolved,  by  thy  grace,  never  more  to 
turn  to  my  sins.  O!  rather  let  me  die  than 
offend  thee  wilfully  any  more.  I  am  resolved 
to  avoid  all  evil  company,  and  dangerous 
occasions;  and  to  take  proper  measures  for  a 


METHOD  OF  CONFESSION.  137 

thorough  amendment  of  my  life  for  the  future. 
All  this  I  resolve;  but  thou  knowest  my 
frailty,  O  my  God!  and  if  thou  assist  me  not 
with  thy  grace,  all  my  resolution  will  prove 
ineffectual;  and  I  shall  be  for  ever  miserable. 
O!  look  to  me,  O  Lord!  that  I  may  never  be- 
tray thee  any  more. 

METHOD  OF  CO'FESSIOX. 

The  penitent,  kneeling"  down  at  the  side  of  his 
ghostly  father,  makes  the  sign  of  the  cross,  and  ask 3 
his  blessing:  Pray,  Father!  give  me  your  blessing,  for  1 
/tave  sinned.  Then  he  says  the  confiteor,  I  confess,  as 
far  as  mea  culpa,  &c.  through  my  fault,  &c. 

After  this,  he  accuses  himself  of  his  sins,  either 
according*  to  the  order  of  God's  commandment,  or 
such  other  order  as  he  finds  most  helpful  to  his  memo- 
ry, adding,  after  each  sin,  the  number  of  times  he  has 
been  guilty  of  it,  and  such  circumstances  as  considera- 
bly aggravate  the  guilt;  but  carefully  abstaining"  from 
mch  as  are  impertinent  or  unnecessary,  and  from  ex- 
cuses and  long"  narrations. 

"When  he  has  confessed  all  that  he  can  remember, 
he  may  conclude  with  this  or  the  like  form :  For  these 
and  all  my  other  sins,  which  I  cannot  at  this  present  time 
call  to  my  remembrance,  I  am  heartily  sorry,-  purpose 
amendment  for  the  future,-  and  most  humbly  ask  pardon 
of  God,  and  penance,  and  absolution  of  you,  my  ghostly 
father.  Then  let  him  finish  Ins  confiteor,  and  give  an  at- 
tentive ear  to  the  instructions  and  advices  of  his  confes- 
sor, and  humbly  accept  the  penance  enjoined  by  him. 

While  the  Priest  gives  him  absolution,  let  him  bow 
12* 


138  METHOD  OF  CONFESSION. 

down  his  head,  and  with  great  humility  call  upon  God 
for  mercy,  and  beg"  of  him,  that  he  would  be  pleased 
to  ratify  the  sentence  of  absolution  in  heaven,  which 
Ills  minister  pronounces  here  upon  earth. 

After  the  confession,  let  the  penitent  return  to  his 
prayers;  and  after  having  heartily  given  God  thanks 
for  having  admitted  him,  by  the  means  of  this  sacra- 
ment, to  the  grace  of  reconciliation,  and  received  him 
like  the  prodigal  child  returning  home,  let  him  make 
an  offering  of  his  confession  to  Jesus  Christ,  begging 
pardon  of  whatever  defects  he  may  have  been  girilty 
of  in  it;  offering  his  resolutions  to  his  Saviour,  and 
begging  grace  to  put  them  in  execution. 

Let  him  be  careful  to  perform  his  penance  in  due 
time,  and  with  a  penitential  spirit. 


PRAYERS  AFTER  CONFESSION. 

jSn  act  of  Faith  on  the  effects  of  t/ie  Sacra- 
ment. 

Is  it  possible,  O  my  God!  that  having  been 
a  criminal  but  a  few  moments  ago,  I  am  now 
cleansed  from  my  sins,  and  justified  by  the 
grace  of  this  Sacrament!  Yes,  O  God  of  good- 
ness, and  mercy!  I  have,  just  now,  been  ab- 
solved, by  virtue  of  the  power,  which  thou 
hast  granted  to  the  ministers  of  thy  Church. 
That  sentence  of  mercy,  and  forgiveness  has 
restored  me  to  thy  favour,  if,  as  I  wish  and 
hope  to  have  done,  I  have  approached  the  sa- 
cred tribunal  with  the  requisite  dispositions. 
This  is  the  effect  of  the  precious  blood,  thou 
hast  shed  for  me,  0  amiable  Redeemer  of 
mankind!  To  thy  sacred  wounds  I  owe  the 
cure  of  my  spiritual  wounds,  my  reconcilia- 
tion and  my  salvation. 

Give  thanks  to  God  for  the  grace  of  Recon- 
ciliation. 

Psalm  102. 

Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul!  and  let  all  that 
is  within  me,  praise  his  holy  name. 

Bless  the  Lord,  0  my  soul!  and  never  for- 
get all,  that  he  hath  done  for  thee. 

AYho  forgiveth  all  thy  iniquities:  who  heal- 
cth  all  thy  diseases: 


140        PRAYERS  AFTER  CONFESSION. 

Who  redeemeth  thy  life  from  destruction: 
who  erowneth  thee  with  mercy  and  compas- 
sion: 

Who  satisneth  thy  desire  with  good  things: 
thy  youth  shall  be  renewed  like  the  eagle's. 

The  Lord  doth  mercies,  and  judgment  for 
all  that  suffer  wrong. 

He  hath  made  his  ways  known  to  Moses — 
his  wills,  to  the  children  of  Israel. 

The  Lord  is  compassionate  and  merciful — 
long  suffering,  and  plenteous  in  mercy. 

He  will  not  always  be  angry:  nor  will  he 
threaten  for  ever. 

He  hath  not  dealt  with  us  according  to  our 
sins;  nor  rewarded  us  according  to  our  ini- 
quities. 

For  according  to  the  height  of  the  heaven 
above  the  earth:  he  hath  strengthened  his 
mercy  towards  them  that  fear  him. 

As  far  as  the  east  is  from  the  west,  so  far 
hath  he  removed  our  iniquities  from  us. 

As  a  father  hath  compassion  on  his  children: 
so  hath  the  Lord  compassion  on  them  that  fear 
him. 

For  he  knoweth  our  frame;  he  remembereth 
that  we  are  dust. 

Man's  days  are  as  grass,  as  the  flower  of 
the  field;  so  shall  he  flourish. 

For  the  spirit  shall  pass  in  him:  and  he 
shall  not  be,  and  he  shall  know  his  place  no 
more. 

But  the  mercy  of  the  Lord  is  from  eternity, 
and  unto  eternity,  unto  them  that  fear  him* 


PRAYERS  AFTER  CONFESSION.        141 

And  his  justice  unto  children's  children,  to 
such  as  keep  his  covenant, 

And  are  mindful  of  his  commandments,  to 
do  them. 

The  Lord  hath  prepared  his  throne  in  hea- 
ven:  and  his  kingdom  shall  rule  over  all. 

Bless  the  Lord  all  you,  his  angels!  you,  that 
are  mighty  in  strength!  and  execute  his  word, 
hearkening  to  the  voice  of  his  orders. 

Bless  the  Lord,  all  ye  his  hosts!  You  min- 
isters of  his!  that  do  his  will. 

Bless  the  Lord,  all  his  works!  in  every  place 
of  his  dominion.  O  my  soul!  bless  thou  the 
Lord.     Glory,  &c. 

A  resolution  of  avoiding  sin  for  the  future. 

0  Almighty,  and  most  merciful  God!  who 
according  to  the  multitude  of  thy  tender  mer- 
cies, hast  vouchsafed,  once  more,  to  receive 
this  prodigal  child,  after  going  so  many  times 
astray  from  thee,  and  to  admit  him  to  the  sa- 
crament of  reconciliation.  I  give  thee  thanks 
with  all  the  powers  of  my  soul,  for  this  and 
all  thy  other  mercies,  graces  and  blessings, 
bestowed  on  me,  the  most  unworthy  of  all 
sinners;  and,  prostrating  myself  now  at  thy 
sacred  feet,  I  offer  myself  to  be  henceforward 
for  ever  thine.  Oh!  let  nothing  in  life  or  death 
ever  separate  me  more,  from  thee.  I  once 
more  renounce  with  my  whole  soul,  all  my 
trt?asons  against  thee,  and  all  the  abominations, 
and  sins  of  my  past  life.  I  renew  my  pro- 
mises made  in  baptism,  and  from  this  moment 


142       PRAYERS  AFTER  CONFESSION. 

I  dedicate  myself  eternally  to  thy  love  and 
service.  Oh!  grant  that  for  the  time  to  come, 
I  may  ever  fly  from  sin  and  abhor  it  more  than 
death  itself,  and  avoid  all  such  occasions,  and 
companies  as  have  unhappily  brought  me  to 
it.  I  resolve  henceforward  to  shun  them  all, 
by  thy  divine  grace,  without  which,  of  myself 
I  can  do  nothing.  I  resolve  to  perform,  sucli 
and  such  devotions,  for  obtaining  this  grace. 
I  resolve  to  avoid  idleness,  and  to  model  for 
myself  a  regular  order,  and  method  of  living, 
for  the  time  to  come.  I  beg  thy  blessing  upon 
these  my  resolutions,  that  they  may  not  be  in- 
effectual, like  so  many  others  I  have  former- 
ly made.  For,  O  Lord!  without  thee  I  am 
nothing  but  misery  and  sin.  Supply,  also,  by 
thy  mercy,  whatever  defects  have  been  in  this, 
my  confession.  I  am  sensible  it  has  been 
very  imperfect,  and  that  I  was  far  from  having 
that  true  sorrow,  which  the  heinousness  of  my 
sins  required:  but  let  the  precious  blood  of 
thy  only  Son  supply  the  deficiency.  Accept 
my  poor  performance,  such  as  it  is,  and  give 
me  grace  to  be  now,  and  always,  a  true  peni- 
tent, through  the  same  Jesus  Chi  «st,  thy  Son 
Amen. 


INSTRUCTIONS  AND  DEVOTIONS 
FOR  COMMUNION. 

The  most  important  and  most  holy  action  a  man 
can  perform,  is  to  receive  worthily,  the  body  of  Jesus 
Christ  in  the  holy  Sacrament  of  the  Eucharist.  The 
greatest  favour,  therefore,  that  can  be  granted  him, 
is  to  communicate  early  in  his  life,  and  afterwards 
frequently.  The  first  communion,  then,  should  be 
a  principal  object  in  the  desires  of  every  one. 

It  should,  moreover,  be  remembered,  first;  that  the 
obligation  of  receiving-  the  holy  Eucharist,  at  least  at 
Easter,  regards  all  those  who  have  attained  the  age 
of  discretion;  that  is  to  say,  the  age  when  they  are 
able  to  distinguish  the  body  and  blood  of  Jesus 
Christ,  under  the  appearance  of  bread  and  wine, 
from  the  ordinary  nourishment  of  the  body;  or  in 
other  words,  the  age  in  which  they  are  capable  of  re- 
flection. 

Secondly;  that  purity  of  heart,  being-  the  most  pro- 
per disposition  to  receive  Christ  worthily,  the  less  ad- 
vanced the  ag-e  is,  the  more  untainted,  in  general,  is 
the  baptismal  innocence. 

Thirdly;  that  the  longer  the  first  communion  is  put 
off,  the  greater  fear  there  is,  that  either  domestic  oc- 
currences, or  the  violence  of  the  passions,  should 
cause  it  still  to  be  deferred  to  an  advanced  age,  or, 
perhaps,  to  the  very  time  of  death.  In  short,  the  ad« 
vice  of  the  great  St.  Charles  Borromeo,  must  be  also 
remembered.  "When  children,"  says  he,  "of  either 
sex  have  attained  the  age  of  ten,  if  they  can  be  ca- 


144      INSTRUCTIONS  AND  DEVOTIONS 

pable  of  being"  easily  prepared  for  communion,  let 
them  not  be  suffered  to  put  it  off  any  longer,  which, 
under  pretext  of  ignorance,  is  too  often  the  case;  let 
them  rather  be  prepared  in  good  time,  to  receive  a 
sacrament,  which  abounds  with  such  precious,  and 
inestimable  advantages." 

With  regard  to  frequent  communion,  follow  the 
advice  of  your  confessor;  and  remember,  that  the 
spirit  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  of  his  church,  is,  that  you 
should  communicate  frequently.  He  gives  himself 
to  us  in  the  Eucharist,  under  the  forms  of  bread  and 
wine,  to  teach  us,  that  as  our  common  food  serves  to 
nourish  our  bodies,  so  doth  the  holy  Eucharist  sup- 
port and  fortify  our  souls.  He  assumes,  in  this  blessed 
Sacrament,  the  titles  of  Brother,  Friend,  Spouse,  Sec. 
to  induce  us,  by  these  tender,  and  affectionate  ap- 
pellations, to  receive  him  often.  The  spirit  of  the 
church  is  made  known  to  us,  in  the  holy  Council  of 
Trent,  which  exhorts  all  the  faithful  to  communicate 
often;  and  would  wish  them  to  receive,  whenever 
they  assist  at  the  divine  Sacrifice  of  the  Mass.  To 
these  testimonies  may  be  also  added,  the  discourses, 
and  examples  of  the  saints,  and  the  experience  of  all 
pious  persons,  which  tend  to  convince  us  of  the  hap- 
piness, and  advantages  of  frequent  communion. 

But  if  it  be  advantageous  to  communicate  fre- 
quently, it  may  also  be  said,  that  a  greater  crime  can- 
not be  committed,  than  to  communicate  unworthily; 
this  being  a  shocking  abuse  of  what  is  most  august 
in  religion.  To  avoid  this  misfortune,  reflect  serious- 
ly upon  these  words  of  St.  Paul,  "Let  a  man  prove 
himself,  and  so  let  him  eat  of  this  bread,  and  drink 
of  the  chalice;  for  he  that  eateth  and  drinketh  un- 


FOR  COMMUNION.  145 

worthily,  eateth  and  drinketh  judgment  to  himself, 
not  discerning-  the  body  of  the  Lord."  Now  this 
proving  consists  in  putting  yourself  in  such  a  state, 
that  your  conscience  may  not  reproach  you  with  any 
essential  obstacle  to  this  Sacrament;  that  is,  with  the 
guilt  of  any  mortal  sin  whatever;  which  you  can  an- 
swer for  to  yourself,  if  you  have  made  as  exact,  as 
fervent,  and  as  perfect  a  confession,  as  you  would 
wish  to  have  made,  at  the  hour  of  your  death.  You 
should  certainly  be  thus  careful  and  fervent,  because 
there  is  not  less  purity  required  to  receive  Jesus 
Christ,  than  to  appear  before  God  in  judgment. 

Above  all  things,  remember,  that  the  essential  point 
in  this  proving  of  yourself,  is,  to  quit  the  occasions 
of  sin,  and  to  repair  the  scandal  it  hath  caused ;  with- 
out which,  the  accusation  of  sin  and  the  detestation 
of  it,  are  absolutely  insufficient. 

But,  this  purity  of  conscience,  which  is  exempt 
from  mortal  sin,  and  from  every  criminal  attachment, 
though  it  may  prevent  the  communion  from  being"  sa- 
crilegious, is  not  enough  to  render  it  as  fruitful,  and 
as  advantageous  as  it  should  be.  The  more  you  pre- 
pare yourself  for  this  sacrament,  the  greater  abun- 
dance of  grace  will  you  acquire.  Be  on  your  guard, 
then,  against  a  fault  so  very  common  at  present,- 
which  is,  not  to  think  seriously  of  approaching  the 
holy  table,  till  the  very  day  preceding  the  commu- 
nion; this  is  to  receive  without  preparation,  and  con- 
sequently with  scarce  any  advantage.  Here,  then, 
are  some  pious  practices,  which  may  be  profitable. 

First  Some  days  before  your  communion,  perform 
all  your  actions  and  prayers,  in  order  to  obtain  the 
graces  necessary  for  this  important  duty  offer  them 
13 


146      INSTRUCTIONS  AND  DEVOTIONS 

up  in  the  morning  with  this  intention;  do  some  good 
works,  such  as  an  alms,  an  act  of  mortification,  or  a 
fast,  with  this  same  design. 

Secondly.  Visit  our  Lord  in  the  blessed  Sacrament 
morning"  and  evening",  on  these  days,  to  beg"  that  he 
would  himself,  by  his  grace,  dispose  your  heart  to 
receive  him  worthily. 

Thirdly.  Read  some  book  that  treats  of  the  Blessed 
Eucharist — such  as  the  fourth  book  of  the  Following 
of  Christ. 

Fourthly.  On  the  eve  of  your  communion  be  more 
recollected  than  usual:  thinking*  often  upon  the  hap- 
piness you  are  to  have  in  receiving"  your  God.  Let  this 
be  your  last  thought  at  composing  yourself  to  rest-  and 
let  it  be  also  the  first  you  shall  have  at  waking. 

Fifthly.  Represent  to  your  imagination,  that  your 
angel  Guardian  addresses  you  in  these  words: — Be- 
hold the  Spouse  cometh,  go  forth  ?iow,  and  meet  him: 
rise  as  early  as  you  can  to  receive  the  great  guest 
who  deigns  to  honour  you  with  this  visit.  Keep  a 
profound  silence  until  you  return  from  Mass,  and  let 
it  appear  by  your  modesty,  that  you  are  deeply  pene- 
trated with  the  sanctity  of  this  action. 

Sixthly.  In  short,  whenever  you  go  to  your  com- 
munion, have  always  in  your  mind.some  particular  in- 
tention; such  as  the  acquiring  of  a  virtue;  the  over- 
coming of  a  temptation;  the  knowledge  of  God's 
will  with  regard  to  yourself;  the  relief  of  the  souls  of 
the  faithful  departed;  the  conversion  of  infidels,  her- 
etics, and  sinners  in  general.  Nothing  is  more  capa- 
ble of  exciting  fervour,  than  some  particular  end,  to 
which  all  is  referred. 

On  the  morning  of  your  communion,  go  to  church 


TUK  COMMUNION.  147 

with  modesty,  and  wholly  occupied  with  the  great  ac- 
tion, which  you  are  to  perform.  If  you  are  in  church 
a  good  while  before  the  Mass,  at  which  you  are  to 
receive  the  holy  communion,  entertain  yourself  with 
some  pious  consideration  relative  to  this  sacred  mys- 
tery. You  might,  for  example,  reflect  on  these  three 
questions:  Who  is  coming?  To  whom?  And  for  what 
purpose?  In  the  first,  you  may  consider  your  Saviour 
under  the  various  titles,  which  he  has  assumed  for 
the  love  of  mankind,  viz.  as  the  Father,  Teacher, 
Physician,  Shepherd,  Redeemer,  Friend  and  Spouse 
of  your  soul;  and  see  how  perfectly  he  has  fulfilled 
these  titles,  and  fulfils  them  still,  in  the  Blessed 
Eucharist.  In  the  second,  consider  the  correspond- 
ing titles  in  yourself;  viz.  of  his  Child,  his  Disciple, 
his  Patient,  his  Sheep,  his  rescued  Captive,  his  Friend 
and  Spouse,  and  see  how  you  comply  with  the  duties 
annexed  to  these  glorious  names.  In  the  third,  con- 
sider the  intentions  of  mercy  and  love,  which  bring 
him  down  from  heaven,  and  detain  him  in  this  Sacra- 
ment, and  the  inexhaustible  treasures  of  graces  there 
opened  to  mankind;  which,  to  be  lavished  on  them, 
requires  not  any  merit  on  their  side,  but  only,  that 
they  would  put  no  obstacle  to  his  divine  profusions. 
When  the  time  of  communion  approaches,  make 
the  following  acts;  observing  to  recite  them  slowly 
and  piously;  endeavouring  to  appropriate  to  yourself 
the  sentiments  expressed  therein,  and  deeply  to  im- 
press your  heart  with  them.  Make  from  time  to  time 
a  little  pause,  especially  when  you  find  yourself  much 
affected;  and,  whenever  you  feel  yourself  interiorly 
drawn  to  pray  mentally,  lay  your  book  aside,  and 
yield  to  that  attraction. 


PRAYERS  EEFORE  COMMUNION. 

An  act  of  faith. 

God  of  heaven  and  earth!  Saviour  of  man- 
kind! Thou  comest  to  me,  and  I  shall  have 
the  happiness  to  receive  thee!  The  bread 
which  I  will  give,  sayest  thou,  is  my  flesh, 
for  the  life  of  the  world.  John,  vi.  52.  Who 
could  believe  so  wonderful  a  prodigy,  if  thou 
hadst  not  expressly  declared  it?  The  Jews 
found  this  saying  hard;  but  to  me,  O  Lord! 
it  is  a  word  of  truth,  a  ivord  of  eternal  life.  I 
believe  it  most  firmly;  because  to  believe  it, 
I  desire  no  more  than  thy  own  words.  Yes, 
I  openly  confess,  it  is  thou  thyself  I  am  going 
to  receive;  thou  who,  born  for  us,  in  a  man- 
ger, was  pleased  to  die  for  us,  on  a  cross;  and 
who,  now  glorious  in  heaven,  art  nevertheless 
truly  concealed  under  the  mysterious  veils  of 
this  holy  Sacrament.  I  do  not  wish  to  behold 
thee  with  my  corporal  eyes;  for,  were  I,  like 
St.  Thomas,  to  touch  thy  wounds  with  my 
own  hands,  I  could  not  tell  thee,  with  more 
assurance  than  I  do  now:  Thou  art  my  Lord, 
and  my  God.  Were  thou  even  to  speak  to 
me  from  thy  tabernacle,  thy  voice  would  not 
affect  me  more  than  that,  which  resounds  in 
thy  Gospel,  and  which  thy  holy  Church  pro- 
poses to  my  belief.  Though  my  senses  tell 
me  the  contrary,  I  submit  them  entirely  to  the 
obedience  of  faith;  and,  with  the  assistance 


DEVOTIONS  FOR  COMMUNION.         149 

of  thy  grace,  I  would  suffer  a  thousand  deaths 
in  testimony  of  this  truth,  rather  than  swerve 
in  the  least  from  that  precious  faith. 

Verily  thou  art  a  hidden  God,  the  God  of  Israel, 
the  Saviour.     Isaias,  xiv.  15. 

I  do  believe,  O  Lord!  help  thou  my  unbelief. 
Mark,  ix.  23. 

An  act  of  humility. 

Who  am  I?  O  God  of  Glory,  and  Majesty! 
Who  am  I!  that  thou  shouldst  deign  even  to 
look  on  me!  Whence  am  I  honoured  with  this 
unspeakable  favour,  that  my  Lord,  and  my 
God  should  come  in  person  to  me?  What!  I, 
a  sinner!  I,  a  worm  of  the  earth!  I,  more  con- 
temptible than  a  very  nothing!  I,  approach  so 
holy  a  God!  I,  eat  the  bread  of  angels! — Ah! 
Lord!  I  do  not  deserve  it;  I  shall  never,  never 
be  worthy  of  it. 

O  King  of  Heaven!  Author  and  Preserver 
of  the  Universe!  eternal,  adorable  Sovereign! 
I  annihilate  myself  before  thee,  and  would 
willingly  humble  myself,  as  much  for  thy 
glory,  as  thou  art  here  willing  to  lower  thyself 
for  me.  I  acknowledge,  with  all  possible  re- 
spect, the  infinite  grandeur  of  thy  Majesty, 
and  my  own  misery,  and  baseness.  The  sight 
of  the  one,  and  of  the  other,  fills  me  with  in- 
expressible confusion.  I  will  only  say,  with 
the  most  sincere  humility,  that  I  am  very  un- 
worthy of  the  favour  thou  art,  this  day,  be- 
stowing upon  me.  Yet  thou  invitest  me,  nay, 
thou  commandest  me  to  come  to  thee;  thou 
•  13 


150        DEVOTIONS  FOR  COMMUNION. 

threatenest  me  with  spiritual  and  everlasting 
death,  if  I  receive  thee  not:  "except  you  eat 
the  flesh  of  the  Son  of  man,  and  drink  his 
blood,  you  shall  not  have  life  in  you."  John, 
vi.  64.  O  Jesus,  meek,  and  humble  of  heart! 
O  Jesus!  who  didst  not  disdain  to  sit  at  tabic 
with  publicans  and  sinners! — Since  thou  callest 
me,  I  obey  with  an  humble  submission,  and 
say  with  thy  Blessed  Mother:  "Behold  the 
servant  of  the  Lord;  be  it  done  unto  me  ac- 
cording to  thy  word." 

Whence  is  this  to  me?  Lake,  i.  48. 
Lord!  I  am  not  worthy  that  thou  shouldst  enter 
under  my  roof.      Matt.  viii.  8. 

An  act  of  contrition. 

Thou  comest  to  me,  O  God  of  goodness, 
and  mercy! — Alas!  my  sins  should  rather  re- 
move thee  from  me.  Thy  loving  kindness,  O 
Jesus!  increases  my  shame,  and  sorrow  for 
having  offended  thee.  I  have  sinned  against 
the  best  of  fathers,  the  most  generous  of 
friends,  the  Saviour  and  lover  of  my  soul.  I 
have  sinned  against  thee;  and  instead  of  pun- 
ishing me  as  I  deserve,  thou  stretchest  forth 
thy  arms  from  the  cross,  to  welcome  me  to 
thy  embraces;  to  press  me  to  thy  heart,  and 
to  wash  me  in  the  sacred  blood,  which  issues 
forth  from  it.  Thou  givest  thyself  to  me,  to 
heal  my  wounded  soul,  and  to  feed  it  with  thy 
own  flesh,  and  blood!  Struck  more  than  ever 
with  horror  for  my  sins,  and  penetrated  with 


DEVOTIONS  FOR  COMMUNION.         151 

grief  for  having-  offended  so  unbounded  a  good- 
ness, I  humbly  crave  again  thy  pardon,  and 
renew  in  thy  presence  my  sincere  protestation 
of  dying,  rather  than  offend  thee  more.  I  am 
already  washed,  as  I  hope,  in  the  Sacrament 
of  penance;  but,  O  God  of  all  purity!  "  wash 
me  more  and  more  from  my  iniquity,  and 
cleanse  me  from  my  sin.  Create  in  me  a  clean 
heart,  O  God!  and  renew  a  right  spirit  within 
my  bowels,"  that  my  heart  may  become  a  fit 
dwelling  for  thee. 

A  contrite  and  humble  heart,  O  God!  thou  wilt 
not  despise.     Ps.  1.  19. 

Thou  shalt  sprinkle  me  with  hyssop,  and  I  shall  be 
cleansed;  thou  shalt  wash  me,  and  I  shall  be  made 
whiter  than  snow.     Ps.  1.  9. 

An  act  of  hope,  and  confidence. 

Although  I  am  most  unworthy  of  approach- 
ing thy  holy  table,  yet,  O  merciful  Jesus!  thy 
meekness,  and  thy  tender  invitations  encourage 
me,  and  remove  my  fears.  In  thee,  0  boun- 
tiful Redeemer!  are  placed  all  my  hopes;  in 
thee,  is  my  refuge,  my  consolation,  and  the 
source  of  all  my  good.  What  may  I  not  ex 
pect  from  thee?  O  inexhaustible  goodness! 
What  is  he  not  willing  to  give  me,  who  bestows 
himself  on  me? — I  therefore  present  myself 
before  thee  with  all  the  confidence  which  thy 
tender  mercy  can  inspire.  I  come  to  thee,  as 
a  repenting  prodigal  to  my  loving  father;  as  a 
sick,  distempered  soul,  to  my  charitable  phy- 


152        DEVOTIONS  FOR  COMMUNION. 

y 

sician;  as  an  ignorant  disciple  to  my  heavenly 
teacher;  as  a  poor  lost  sheep  to  my  good 
shepherd;  as  an  unfortunate  captive,  to  my 
powerful  deliverer.  I  come  to  thee  as  to  the 
faithful  friend,  and  constant  lover  of  my  soul. 
Thou  knowest  all  my  wants;  thou  canst  re- 
lieve them;  thou  art  willing  to  do  so.  Behold 
I  come  to  thee  with  all  my  weakness,  my 
blindness,  and  my  miseries.  I  hope  that  thou 
wilt  enlighten,  comfort,  strengthen  and  change 
me.  I  hope  without  fear  of  disappointment, 
for  art  thou  not,  O  Jesus!  the  master  of  my 
heart?  And  when  shall  it  be  more  absolutely 
thine,  than  when  thou  shalt  have  once  taken 
possession  of  it? 

In  thee,  O  Lord!  have  I  hoped;  I  shall  not  be  con 
founded  for  ever.     Ps.  xxx.  1. 

The  Lord  is  my  shepherd;  nothing-  shall  be  want 
ing-  to  me.     Ps.  xxxi.  1. 

Jin  act  of  love. 
How  great,  how  incomprehensible  was  thy 
love,  O  amiable  Saviour!  when  upon  the  point 
of  passing  out  of  this  world  to  the  Father, 
thou  didst  prepare  for  us  a  banquet,  which 
contains  all  the  sweets  and  delights  of  para- 
dise! It  was  not  enough  for  thy  love,  to  have 
died  for  me,  to  have  shed  all  thy  blood  for 
my  sake;  thou  wouldst  also  be  the  food  of 
my  soul,  in  order  to  unite  thyself  to  me,  to 
possess  my  heart,  and  to  make  me  live  of  thy 
divine  life.  When  shall  I  love  thee?  O  infi- 
nite goodness!   when  will  my  heart  be  taken 


DEVOTIONS  FOR  COMMUNION.        153 

with  thy  charms,  O  incomparable  beauty!  if 
not,  in  receiving  this  sacred  pledge  of  thy  love? 
Yes,  O  my  God,  and  my  all!  Yes,  O  the  most 
beautiful  of  the  children  of  men!  I  do  love 
thee, — above  all  things — with  my  whole  heart 
and  soul.  But,  alas!  how  imperfect  is  my 
love!  O  Holy  Ghost!  the  eternal  love  of  the 
Father,  and  of  the  Son!  come,  and  fill  my  soul 
with  thy  presence;  kindle  in  it  the  pure  fire 
of  thy  love;  enlighten  it,  purify  it,  adorn  and 
beautify  it;  that  it  may  become  an  agreeable 
abode  for  my  divine  Spouse. 

I  seek  him  whom  my  soul  loveth.     Cant.  iii.  2. 

1  will  love  thee,  O  Lord!  my  strength.  Ps.  xvii.  1. 

An  act  of  desire. 
God  of  Love!  Amiable  Spouse  of  faithful 
souls!  Is  it  possible  that  thou  wouldst  come 
to  me? — and  come  with  an  ardent  desire  of 
uniting  thyself  to  me! — 0  come  the  beloved, 
of  my  soul!  Come,  O  spotless  Lamb  of  God! 
adorable  flesh!  precious  blood  of  my  Saviour! 
Come,  and  be  the  sweet  food  of  my  soul.  Let 
me  behold  thee,  O  the  God  of  my  heart!  my 
joy,  my  delight,  my  love,  my  God,  and  my 
all!  O!  who  will  give  me  ivings  like  a  dove, 
and  I  will  fly,  and  be  at  rest  in  the  bosom  of 
my  God?  Come,  Lord!  and  do  not  delay.  My 
soul  can  no  longer  live  without  thee.  It  pines 
and  languishes  in  thy  absence,  and  continually 
sighs  after  thee,  O  my  only  good!  my  conso- 
lation, my  treasure,  my  happiness  and  my 
life!  my  God  and  my  all! 


154        DEVOTIONS  FOR  COMMUNION. 

As  the  hart  panteth  after  the  fountains  of  water, 
so  my  soul  panteth  after  thee,  O  God!  Ps.  xli.  1. 
Come,  Lord  Jesus!  Apoc.  xxii.  20. 

Devout  aspirations. 
Come,  O  most  amiable  Saviour!  come  sanc- 
tify my  soul  by  thy  divine  presence.  Come, 
O  the  beloved  of  my  heart!  do  not  delay 
longer!  It  is  true,  I  am  unworthy  of  receiving 
thee,  but  I  place  my  hopes  in  thy  infinite 
bounty.  Only  say  the  word;  and  my  soul 
shall  be  healed  of  all  its  miseries. 

MAUXIR  OF  BECEIVIXG    COMMUJflON". 

At  the  time  of  communion,  go  up  to  the  rail,  take 
up  the  towel,  and  hold  it  before  you,  in  such  a  man- 
ner, as  to  prevent  any  particles  of  the  host  from  fall- 
ing- on  the  floor,  in  case  of  accident.  Whilst  the 
clerk  says  the  Confiteor,  humbly  confess  your  sins, 
and  beg-  God's  pardon  for  them.  When  the  Priest 
turns  about  to  give  the  absolution,  receive  it  with 
your  head  bowed  down,  as  from  the  hand  of  the  in- 
visible High-Priest,  whom  you  are  going  to  receive. 

When  the  Priest  holds  up  a  particle  of  the  blessed 
Sacrament,  with  these  words,  Ecce  Agnus  Dei,  &c. 
Behold  the  Lamb  of  God,  behold  him,  who  taketh  away 
the  sins  of  the  world;  humbly  beg1,  with  a  lively  con- 
fidence in  the  merits  of  his  death  and  passion,  that 
he  would  take  away  your  sins. 

When  the  Priest  repeats  three  times,  Domine  non 
sum  digmis,  &c.  Lord.'  I  am  not  worthy  that  thou 
shouldst  enter  under  my  roof-  speak  only  the  word,  and 
my  soul  shall  be  healed;  say  the  same  with  liim  in  your 
heart,  and  humble  yourself  exceedingly,  through  the 


DEVOTIONS  FOR  COMMUNION.        155 

sense  of  your  unworthiness  and  sins:  but  let  this  be 
joined  with  a  lively  confidence  in  him,  who  can  raise 
you  up,  and  perfectly  heal  your  soul,  by  his  only 
word. 

"When  the  Priest  gives  you  the  blessed  Sacrament, 
saying",  The  body  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  preserve  thy 
soul  to  life  everlasting,  Amen;  receive  it  with  a  lively 
faith,  a  profound  humility,  and  a  heart  inflamed  with 
love.  "When  you  receive  it,  let  your  head  be  erect, 
your  mouth  opened  moderately  \  'ide,  and  your  tong-ue 
a  little  advanced,  so  as  to  rest  upon  your  under  lip, 
that  the  Priest  may  conveniently  convey  the  blessed 
Sacrament  into  your  mouth.  "When  this  is  done, 
shut  your  mouth,  let  the  sacred  Host  moisten  a  little 
upon  your  tongue,  and  then  swallow  it  down  as  soon 
as  you  can,  and  abstain  a  while  from  spitting".  If 
the  Host  should  chance  to  adhere  to  the  roof  of 
your  mouth,  be  not  disturbed,  neither  must  you  put 
your  fing-er  in  your  mouth  to  remove  it,  but  g-ently 
and  quietly  convey  it  down  with  your  tong-ue.  Then 
return  to  your  place,  and  endeavour  to  entertain,  as 
well  as  you  can,  the  Guest,  whom  you  have  re- 
ceived. 

It  is  of  the  greatest  importance  to  employ  well  the 
moments  which  immediately  follow  your  communion. 
It  is  then  Jesus  Christ  plentifully  lavishes  his  choicest 
favours  on  those  who  are  careful  to  collect  them. 
Take  care  then  to  spend  at  least  a  quarter  of  an  hour 
after  communion,  in  devotions,  suitable  to  that  im- 
portant occasion.  It  would  be  a  gTeat  abuse  to  turn 
your  back  immediately  upon  your  Saviour  by  g"oing 
away,  as  some  unfortunately  do,  and  thinking  no 
more  of  what  you  have  been  doing-. 


PRAYERS  AFTER  COMMUNION. 

At  this  awful  moment,  when  the  fulness  of  the  di- 
vinity abides  corporally  in  you,  consider  with  atten- 
tion what  a  great  guest  you  entertain;  look  upon  your- 
self as  the  living-  temple,  where  the  Holy  of  Holies 
resides,  and  endeavour  to  preserve  the  most  silent 
recollection.  Then,  rather  with  your  heart  than  with 
your  lips,  address  yourself  thus  to  him. 

Aspirations  for  the  moments  which  immedi- 
ately follow  Communion. 

I  have  found  him,  whom  my  soul  loves; 
I  hold  him  and  will  not  let  him  go.— My  be- 
loved is  mine,  and  I  am  his. — Jesus,  the  amia- 
ble Jesus,  abides  in  me,  and  I  in  him. — How 
beautiful  art  thou,  O  my  beloved! — how  good, 
and  how  lovely! — how  loving,  how  generous, 
how  merciful! — O  my  only  delight,  my  joy, 
my  sole  happiness,  my  God,  and  my  all! — 
Who  shall  be  able  now,  to  separate  me  from 
thee? — What  have  I  in  heaven,  and  besides 
thee,  what  can  I  desire  upon  earth?  O  the 
God  of  my  heart,  and  my  portion  for  ever? 
O!  it  is  good  for  me  to  adhere  closely  to  my 
God,  and  to  put  all  my  hopes  in  the  Lord, 
God. 

An  act  of  faith  and  admiration. 

Is  it  credible  then,  that  the  great  God  ot 
heaven,  and  earth  should  dwell  within  my 
breast?— That  the  sovereign  Lord  of  the  uni- 
verse should  now  have  united  himself  to  so 


DEVOTIONS  FOR  COMMUNION.         157 

poor,  so  vile,  so  abject  a  creature? — That  I 
should  now  possess  within  myself,  the  same 
Jesus,  who  is  sitting  in  heaven  at  the  right 
hand  of  God,  and  who  is  there  the  joy  of 
saints  and  angels? — Yes,  0  my  Saviour!  I 
firmly  believe  it.  It  is  thou,  0  God  of  glory! 
who  art  hidden  under  these  Sacramental  veils, 
whom  I  have  just  now  received,  and  who  dost, 
at  this  instant,  reside  within  me.  It  is  thou, 
O  sovereign  Majesty!  who  vouchsafest  to  heap 
thy  favours  on  me,  who  am  but  dust  and 
ashes,  to  come  into  this  poor  cottage,  this 
house  of  clay  of  my  earthly  habitation.  O 
heavenly  manna!  0  adorable  sacrament!  O 
inestimable  pledge  of  God's  love  to  mankind' 
O  standing  memorial  of  Christ's  passion  and 
death!  O  astonishing  abridgment  of  all  his 
wonders!  0  inexhaustible  fountain  of  divine 
grace!   O  boundless  mercy!  O  divine  charity! 

0  sacred  fire,  ever  burning  and  never  decay- 
ing! O  Lord,  my  God!  What  is  man,  that 
thou  art  mindful  of  him;  or  the  son  of  man, 
that  thou  visitest  him?  O  how  sweet,  and 
mild,  and  merciful  art  thou,  to  those  who  call 
upon  thee!  "  Come  and  hear,  all  ye  who  fear 
God,  and  I  will  tell  you,  what  great  things  he 
hath  done  for  my  soul."     Ps.  lxv.  16.   When 

1  had  no  being  at  all,  he  created  me;  when  I 
was  gone  astray,  and  lost  in  my  sins,  he 
sought  after  me,  and  redeemed  me  by  dying 
for  my  sake;  and  after  restoring  me  to  life; 
with  more  than  a  mother's  love,  he  feeds  me 
with  his  own  substance,  even  with  his  own 

12* 


158        DEVOTIONS  FOR  COMMUNION. 

flesh  and  blood!  O  wonderful  condescension! 
O  immense  love  bestowed  on  sinful  man! 

O  Lord,  our  God!  how  admirable  is  thy  name  in  the 
whole  earth!  Fs.  viii.  2. 

He  hath  made  a  remembrance  of  his  wonderful 
works,  being"  a  merciful  and  gracious  Lord;  he  hath 
given  food  to  them  that  fear  him.  Ps.  ex.  4. 

An  act  of  adoration. 
Under  these  sacred  veils,  where  thy  love 
for  man  has  concealed  the  splendour  of  thy 
Majesty,  I  most  humbly  adore  thee,  O  Al 
mighty  God!  The  grandeur  of  the  heavens  is 
in  thy  sight  as  nothing;  the  heavens  are  the 
work  of  thy  hands,  they  shall  perish,  but  thou 
shalt  remain;  they  shall  grow  old  and  be 
changed  as  a  garment,  but  thou  art  the  same 
and  thy  years  shall  not  fail.  The  earth  thou 
hast  poised  in  thy  hand,  the  ocean  is  to  thee, 
but  a  drop  of  water;  all  nature  bends  befort 
thee,  and  trembles  in  thy  presence.  How 
then  shall  I  extol  thee,  immortal  King  of 
Ages!  What  homage  can  I  give,  proportioned 
to  thy  greatness!  Thou  art  the  perfect  imagi' 
of  thy  Father's  substance;  thou  art  the  inhe 
rent  splendour  of  his  Glory;  thou  art  his  pow- 
erful Word,  supporting  all  things;  thee  he  hath 
seated  at  his  right  hand.  Thy  throne,  O  God' 
is  foi  ever  and  ever;  a  sceptre  of  justice  is 
the  sceptre  of  thy  reign.  I  bow  before  thy 
sacred  Majesty;  I  acknowledge  with  the  sin- 
cerest  gratitude,  that  thou  art  my  Redeemer, 
my  Creator,  and  the  supreme  Arbiter  of  my 


DEVOTIONS  FOK  COMMUNION.        159 

eternal  doom.  I  wish  to  humble  myself  as 
much  for  thy  sake,  as  thou  art  here  humbled 
for  love  of  me,  and  to  consecrate  to  the  glory 
of  thy  name,  the  whole  extent  of  my  being. 
0  Jesus!  be  now  the  absolute  Lord  and  mas- 
ter of  my  heart.  Reign  there  as  a  sovereign 
Monarch  on  thy  throne;  rule  with  an  absolute 
sway  over  all  the  powers  of  my  soul.  Suffer 
not  the  devil,  or  the  world,  to  have  any  part 
in  me.  Subdue  my  rebellious  nature;  deliver 
me  from  the  shameful  slavery  of  my  passions, 
and  grant  me  the  glorious  liberty  of  thy  chil- 
dren. 0  sweet  empire  of  my  God!  0  delight- 
ful service  of  Jesus!  To  serve  thee,  0  amia- 
ble King!  is  to  reign. 

Hosanna  to  the  Son  of  David!  Blessed  is  he,  who 
cometh  in  the  name  of  the  Lord!  Hosanna  in  the 
highest!   Matt.  xxi.  9. 

Thou  alone  art  holy;  thou  alone  art  Lord;  thou  art 
mosthig-h,  O  Jesus  Christ!  Canticle,  Gloria  in  Excelsis 
at  Mass. 

An  act  of  thanksgiving. 

When  I  reflect,  0  Lord!  upon  the  many 
favours,  which  thy  infinite  goodness  has  be- 
stowed on  me,  I  am  filled  with  confusion,  my 
heart  is  penetrated  with  gratitude,  and  I  have 
no  words  to  express  it.  To  have  created  me, 
preserved  me,  died  for  me,  was  not  sufficient 
to  thy  love;  thou  wouldst  also  give  thyself  to 
me.  Thy  body,  thy  blood,  thy  soul,  thy  di- 
vinity, with  all  the  treasures  of  thy  grace, 
must  be  lavished  on  my  unworthy  soul,  in  or- 


160        DEVOTIONS  TOR  COMMUNION. 

tier  to  unite  it  to  thee,  to  make  it  live  of  thy 
own  life,  and  to  be  for  her  a  pledge  of  glory 
and  immortality.  How  great,  0  my  God' 
must  be  my  ingratitude,  if  this  infinite  love 
does  not  meet  with  a  return  from  my  heart? 
0!  may  I  sooner  forget  myself,  than  ever  be 
unmindful  of  this  great  favour.  I  have  been 
an  unfaithful,  cowardly,  rebellious  wretch,  but 
I  will  not  be  ungrateful.  But  0  bounteous 
Saviour!  Avhat  return  can  I  make  thee  for  so 
many,  and  so  inestimable  favours?  —0  that 
thou  wouldst  open  my  lips,  and  fill  my  mouth 
with  thy  praise,  that  all  the  day  long  I  may 
sing  forth  thy  glory,  and  celebrate  thy  won- 
derful works! 

Magnify  the  Lord,  O  my  soul!  for  his  great, 
and  multiplied  favours.  Let  my  spirit  rejoice 
in  God,  my  Saviour;  for  he  has  had  regard  to 
the  lowness  of  his  servant.  In  his  power  he 
has  done  great  things  for  me,  and  he  has  sat- 
isfied the  hunger  of  my  soul. «— Bless  the  Lord, 
0  my  soul!  and  let  all  that  is  within  me  praise 
his  holy  name.  Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul! 
and  never  forget  all  that  he  has  done  for  thee. 
He  pardons  all  thy  iniquities;  he  heals  all  thy 
wounds,  he  rescues  thee  from  ruin,  crowns 
thee  with  mercies,  fills  thee  with  good  things, 
and  renews  thy  declining  fervour.  All  ye 
works  of  the  Lord!  bless  the  Lord;  praise  and 
exalt  him  above  all  for  ever.  O  ye  angels  of 
the  Lord!  bless  the  Lord;  praise  and  glorify 
his  name.  Bless  the  Lord,  all  ye  saints!  and 
let  the  Church  of  heaven  and  earth  join   in 


DEVOTIONS  FOR  COMMUNION.         161 

praising,  and  giving  him  thanks,  for  all  his 
graces,  and  mercies  to  me. 

What  shall  I  render  to  the  Lord,  for  all  the  things 
which  he  hath  given  me?  Ps.  cxv.  12. 

I  will  bless  the  Lord  at  all  times;  his  praise  shall 
always  be  in  my  mouth.  Ps.  xxxiii.  1. 

An  act  of  love. 
Am  I  then,  my  God!  so  happy  as  to  possess 
thee!  What  a  blessing  is  this!  what  unspeak- 
able comfort!  Thou  art  indeed  my  Saviour, 
thy  goodness  hath  no  bounds;  thy  beauty  is 
inexpressible;  thou  art  the  brightness  of  eter- 
nal light,  the  glory  of  heaven  is  from  thee. 
Thou  art  the  unfailing  source  of  endless  hap- 
piness; the  angels  desire  to  behold  thee;  thou 
fillest  the  hearts  of  the  blessed.  Therefore 
will  I  love  thee,  O  amiable  Redeemer!  who 
hast  loved  me  even  unto  death,  and  hast  left 
me  in  this  Sacrament,  the  sweetest  pledge  of 
thy  affection.  0!  inflame  my  heart,  burn  and 
consume  it  with  this  heavenly  fire;  let  me 
love  thee  above  all  things;  let  me  love  thee, 
more  than  myself;  let  me  adhere  to  thee  al- 
ways; let  me  never  be  separated  from  thee. 
Yes,  my  God!  I  love  thee  with  all  my  heart, 
with  all  my  soul,  with  all  my  strength.  I 
love  thee  for  thy  own  sake,  and  I  heartily 
wish  that  every  object  on  earth  may  increase 
my  love  for  thee.  If  I  cannot  love  thee,  as 
much  as  I  desire,  as  much  as  thou  hast  loved 
me,  as  much  as  thou  deservest  to  be  loved, 
may  I  at  least,  love  thee  as  much  as  I  am 
14* 


162        DEVOTIONS  FOR  COMMUNION. 

able.  Let  disgust  and  anguish  embitter  every 
other  attachment,  that  I  be  happily  forced  to 
rest  in  thee  alone.  Make  this  love,  I  beseech 
thee,  effectual,  ardent  and  persevering,  that 
its  divine  influence  may  support  me  in  every 
trial,  may  purify  my  affections,  and  bring  me 
securely  to  thee. 

My  beloved  to  me,  and  I  to  him.   Cant.  ii.  16. 

Lord!  thou  knowestthat  I  love  thee.  John,  xxi.  16. 

An  act  of  petition. 

Thou  art  in  me,  O  inexhaustible  source  of 
all  good!  thou  art  full  of  tenderness,  and  ready 
to  shed  all  thy  favours  upon  me!  shower  them 
down  abundantly!  consider  my  manifold  wants; 
consider  the  immensity  of  thy  own  power. 
Do  that,  in  me,  for  which  thou  art  pleased  to 
come  to  me;  divest  my  heart  of  whatever  is 
displeasing  to  thee;  adorn  it  with  whatever 
may  render  me  acceptable  in  thy  sight;  purify 
my  body;  sanctify  my  soul;  let  me  share  in 
the  merits  of  thy  life,  and  death.  Unite  thy- 
self to  me,  unite  me  to  thyself;  live  thou  in 
me,  that  in  thee  also  I  may  live,  and  never 
have  life  but  for  thy  sake.— Grant  me  those 
graces,  which  thou  knowest  I  have  need  of; 
grant  the  same  to  all  those  for  whom  I  am 
bound  to  pray.  Canst  thou  refuse  me  any 
thing,  after  what  thou  here  dost  for  me?  What 
may  I  not  expect  from  thee,  when  thou  givest 
me  thyself?  [Here  you  are  to  specify  the  par- 
ticular graces  you  wish  to  obtain,  either  for 
yourself,  or  the  persons  for  whom  you  have 


DEVOTIONS  FOR  COMMUNION.        163 

a  mi?id  to  pray.']  Abolish  the  reign  of  sin, 
and  establish  the  kingdom  of  Grace  in  all 
hearts.  Let  the  light  of  thy  countenance  shine 
upon  all  those,  who  are  in  the  darkness  of 
infidelity,  and  dispel  their  errors.  Grant 
peace  and  union  to  all  Christian  princes,  and 
preserve  us  from  the  dreadful  scourges  of  war, 
famine  and  pestilence.  Convert  all  sinners; 
and  reconcile  those  who  are  at  variance.  Have 
mercy  on  my  parents,  friends  and  benefac- 
tors. Have  mercy  on  all  my  enemi-es,  forgive 
them  their  sins,  and  fill  their  hearts  with  thy 
charity.  Reform  all  abuses,  and  remove  all 
scandals  from  thy  Church.  Comfort  all  that 
ire  under  any  afflictions,  sickness  or  violence 
of  pain.  Support  those,  who  are  under  temp- 
tation, protect  those,  who  are  in  danger,  and 
errant  a  happy  passage  to  ail  those,  that  are  in 
their  agony.  Extend  thy  mercy  likewise  to 
the  souls  of  the  faithful  departed,  and  admit 
them  to  the  possession  of  thy  eternal  glory. 
Grant  to  us  all,  relief  in  our  respective  neces- 
sities, remission  of  all  our  sins,  the  grace  of 
final  perseverance,  and  life  everlasting.  Amen. 

I  will  not  let  thee  go,  except  thou  bless  me.  Gene- 
sis, xxxii.  26. 

Deal  with  thy  servant,  according-  to  thy  gTeat  mercy. 
Ps.  cxviii.  124. 

Jin  act  of  oblation, 

I  am  loaded  with  thy  favours.  0  merciful 
God!  and  when  thou  givest  me  thyself,  it  is 
doubtless   thy   will,  that  I  live  but  for  thee. 


164        DEVOTIONS  FOR  COMMUNION 

This  indeed,  is  my  earnest  desire.  I  wish 
that  all  my  thoughts,  words,  and  actions,  may 
be  directed  to  thee  in  the  most  perfect  sub- 
mission. I  wish  that  all  I  possess,  health, 
strength,  understanding,  goods  and  reputation, 
may  steadily  tend  to  thy  greater  glory.  I  con- 
secrate my  whole  being,  to  that  important  ob- 
ject. I  entreat  thee,  O  Sovereign  of  my  heart! 
to  accept  the  offering  I  make,  to  establish  thy 
kingdom  within  me,  that  from  this  moment, 
to  the  end  of  my  life,  I  may  be  wholly  thine, 
faithful  in  all  things,  and  devoted  to  thy  ser- 
vice.— Take  then,  O  Jesus!  full  possession  of 
my  heart.  I  offer  it  to  thee,  without  reserve. 
I  desire  to  consecrate  it  eternally  to  thee. 
Disengage  it,  from  this  moment,  from  the 
slavery  of  its  passions  and  vices.  Adorn  it 
with  thy  heavenly  virtues,  stifle  in  it  all  desire, 
but  that  of  loving,  and  pleasing  thee.  Inflame 
it  with  the  fire  of  charity,  that  it  may  burn 
with  thy  love.  O!  may  the  sweet  flame  of 
thy  love  consume  my  soul,  that  so  I  may  die 
to  the  world,  for  the  love  of  thee,  who  hast 
vouchsafed  to  die  upon  the  cross,  for  the  love 
of  me.  I  throw  myself  entirely  into  the  arms 
of  thy  mercy,  and  offer  thee  my  whole  being; 
my  body,  with  all  its  senses,  my  soul,  with 
all  its  powers,  that  as  thou  hast  honoured  them 
both,  by  thy  real  presence,  so  they  may  both 
be  thy  temple  for  ever.  O!  sanctify,  and  con- 
secrate, eternally,  to  thyself  this  mansion, 
which  thou  hast,  by  a  wonderful  condescen 
sion,  chosen  this  day  for  thy  abode,  and  giant 


DLV0T10NS  FOR  COMMUNION.         165 

Wat,  like  Zachaeus,  I  may  obtain  thy  benedic- 
tion. I  offer  thee,  my  memory,  that  it  may 
ever  be  recollected  in  thee,  my  understanding, 
that  it  may  be  always  enlightened,  and  direct- 
ed by  thy  truth,  and  my  will,  that  it  may  ever 
be  conformable  to  thine.  0!  take  me  entirely 
into  thy  hands,  with  all  that  I  have,  and  all 
that  I  am,  and  let  nothing  henceforward,  in 
life  or  death,  ever  separate  me  any  more  from 
thee.     Amen. 

I  am  thy  servant  and  the  son  of  thy  handmaid. 
Ps.  cxv.  16. 

Into  thy  hands,  0  Lord!  I  commend  my  spirit. 
Ps.  xxx.  6. 

Jl  resolution  of  amendment. 

Behold,  O  my  God!  the  moment  is  now 
come,  in  which  I  am  to  sacrifice  those  incli- 
nations to  thee,  which  thou  hast  so  often  de- 
manded, and  which  I  have  been  so  miserably 
languid,  as  to  have  refused  thee.  I  now  see 
the  danger,  which  this  fault  exposes  me  to, 
and  I  am  resolved  to  correct  myself  of  it.  I 
will  labour,  incessantly,  against  my  vicious 
habits.  I  am  determined  to  quit  the  immedi- 
ate occasion  of  sin.  I  pledge  myself  to  thee; 
[  am  satisfied  to  be  treated  as  thy  enemy,  if 
these  promises  be  not  most  sincere  and  deter- 
mined. No  longer  will  I  resist  thy  inspira- 
tions; no  longer  wrill  I  allow  myself  those 
pleasures,  which  thy  law  forbids;  nor  expose 
myself  to  the  danger  of  offending  thee.  There 
shall  be  no  more  remissness  in  my  duty;  no 


166        DEVOTIONS  FOR  COMMUNION. 

more  languor  in  my  devotion.  I  do  not  speak 
in  this  manner  through  a  spirit  of  presump- 
tion; I  am  convinced  of  my  own  insufficiency; 
and  I  know,  that  abandoned  by  thee,  I  must 
necessarily  fall  back  into  all  my  former  dis- 
orders. But  being  now  thus  united  to  thee,  1 
can  promise  myself,  that  in  spite  of  my  frailty, 
I  shall  constantly  persevere  in  thy  grace. 
Why  should  I  not  find  the  same  strength  in 
this  Sacrament,  that  thy  glorious  martyrs  have 
derived  from  it?  It  was  here,  they  imbibed  that 
generous  spirit  of  suffering,  which  could  brave 
the  power  of  tyrants,  and  smile  on  the  hor- 
rors of  death.  Art  thou  less  faithful,  less  lib- 
eral, less  able  to  fortify  me  against  the  ene- 
mies of  my  salvation?  Come  then,  it  is  full 
time  for  me  to  begin  the  work.  Thy  will  has 
been  sufficiently  declared  to  me;  I  will  hesi- 
tate no  longer;  my  heart  is  ready,  how  great 
soever  the  conflict  against  myself,  and  the 
world.  Those  with  whom  I  have  lived  could 
hardly  know  that  I  really  loved  thee — scarcely 
did  I  know  it  myself;  but  I  must  now  con- 
vince them  of  it,  for  their  edification;  and 
prove  it  to  myself,  for  my  own  comfort. 

I  have  sworn  and  am  determined  to  keep  the  judg- 
ments of  thy  justice.  Ps.  cxviii.  106. 

Confirm,  O  God!  what  thou  hast  wrought  in  us.  Ps. 
lxvii.  29. 

Do  not  limit  the  devotions  of  this  day  to  the  prayers 
which  you  have  just  now  said.  Consider  it  as  entire- 
ly consecrated  to  Jesus  Christ;  so  that  you  may  ac- 
complish to  the  letter  the  precepts  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 


VISITING  THE  BLESSED  SACRAMENT.    167 

Defraud  not  thyself  of  the  great  day,  and  let  not  the 
part  of  a  good  gift  overpass  thee.  Ecclesiastic,  xiv. 
Recall  to  \our  mind  frequently,  in  the  course  of  that 
day,  the  signal  favour  bestowed  upon  you  in  the 
morning".  Spend  it  in  great  recollection,  and  most 
carefully  avoid  whatever  might  cause  dissipation  of 
mind.  Let  not  the  remembrance  of  your  communion 
slip  away  from  your  mind.  Renew  it  every  day,  and 
let  it  be  an  incentive  to  you,  through  a  sense  of  grati- 
tude, to  shun  even  the  smallest  offence  against  so 
liberal  a  Benefactor;  to  preserve  that  heart  pure 
which  has  become  the  dwelling  of  the  Son  of  God, 
and  to  lead  so  holy  a  life  as  to  fit  you  for  receiving, 
soon  again,  the  same  inestimable  favour. 


THE  PRACTICE  OF  VISITING  THE  BLESSED 
SACRAMENT. 

Amoxg  the  various  means  of  preserving  the  fruits  of 
holy  Communion,  and  of  disposing  the  soul  for  an 
intimate  union  with  Jesus  Christ,  none  can  be  so  effec- 
tual, as  to  pay  frequent  visits  to  that  amiable  Saviour, 
in  his  holy  Sacrament  His  inconceivable  love  for 
mankind,  causes  him  to  reside  continually  on  our 
altars,  ready  at  every  hour  to  receive  our  homage,  to 
hearken  to  our  petitions,  and  to  bestow  his  favours 
upon  us.  Is  it  credible,  that  Christians,  who  believe 
this,  who  know  what  they  owe  to  Jesus  Christ,  and 
what  they  may  expect  from  his  unbounded  liberality, 
should  remain  in  such  a  state  of  indifference,  as  total- 
ly to  forget  their  benefactor,  and  leave  him  alone  in 
those  tabernacles,  in  which  he  dwells  only  for  their 


168  VISITING  THE 

sake?  There  is  no  one  who  cannot  find  time  to  visit 
his  friends,  and  to  spend  with  them  many  unprofitable 
and  idle  hours.  Can  the  children  of  Jesus  allege  a 
want  of  time,  to  excuse  themselves  from  visiting  their 
father,  their  friend,  the  lover  of  their  souls?  Oh!  if 
they  knew  the  gift  of  God,  and  the  immense  treasures 
of  spiritual  riches,  which  are  there  laid  up  for  them; 
and  what  lights,  what  consolations,  what  peace,  what 
interior  delights  the  heavenly  Spouse  would  lavish  on 
them!  Let  it  be  then  a  fixed  resolution  with  you,  not 
to  let  a  day  pass,  if  possible,  at  least  not  a  week,  with- 
out visiting  your  blessed  Redeemer,  in  the  Sacrament 
of  his  love. 

Enter  the  church  with  all  the  modesty  and  respect, 
which  is  due  to  the  sanctity  of  the  place,  wherein 
Jesus  Christ  has  established  his  permanent  residence. 
Humbly  prostrate  at  his  feet,  before  whom  every  knee 
bows  in  heaven,  on  earth,  and  in  hell,  renew  your 
faith  in  his  real  presence,  under  the  Eucharistical 
veils,  and  pay  him  the  most  profound  adoration. 
Remain  some  moments  in  silence;  it  proves  ordina- 
rily, more  advantageous  to  the  soul,  when  in  the  pre- 
sence of  Jesus  Christ,  to  meditate  much,  and  to  speak 
little.  The  language  of  the  heart  is  far  more  pleas- 
ing to  him  in  these  visits,  than  a  great  number  of 
vocal  prayers,  hurried  over  with  precipitation,  and 
too  often,  without  attention.  Some  of  the  following 
practices  will  furnish  you  with  sufficient  matter  for 
interior  entertainment. 

1.  You  may  occupy  yourself,  in  paying  to  God, 
•j&hrough  Jesus  Christ,  the  perfect  worshipper  of  the 
JDnvine  Majesty,  the  four  great  duties  of  religion, 
Vlbic.h.  he  continually  pays  to  his  Father  in  the  holy 


BLESSED  SACRAMENT.  109 

Eucharist;  viz.   adoration,  thanksgiving,  atonement 
fur  sin,  and  supplication. 

2.  Consider  your  Saviour  under  the  titles  of  your 
Gud,  your  King",  your  Father,  your  Teacher,  Sec.  as 
was  said  above,  page  147,  and  converse  interiorly 
With  him  accordingly. 

3.  Recite  slowly  the  Litany  of  the  holy  name  of 
Jesus,  or  of  the  blessed  Sacrament,  making"  a  pause  at 
every  verse,  conceiving-  such  affections,  and  making 
such  petitions  as  may  be  suggested  by  it. 

4.  You  will  find  in  the  third  and  fourth  books  of 
the  Following  of  Christ,  abundant  matter  of  interior 
conversation  with  Jesus  Christ  in  the  holy  Eucharist. 

5.  Imagine  yourself  prostrate  at  the  feet  of  Jesus 
Christ,  like  Magdalen;  and,  if  you  do  not  feel  devo- 
tion enough  to  shed  tears,  as  she  did,  remain  like  her 
in  silence  and  contemplation;  or  if  you  speak,  let  it 
be  only  to  express,  like  St.  Thomas,  the  sentiments 
of  admiration,  respect  and  love,  that  penetrate  your 
heart;  My  Lord,  and  my  God.' 

6.  Reflect,  sometimes,  on  the  many  crimes,  and  in- 
fidelities, by  which  you  have  too  often  provoked  the 
anger,  and  the  vengeance  of  God,  and  considering  the 
eternal  Father  incensed  against  you,  and  the  strokes 
of  his  justice  ready  to  fall  upon  your  head,  offer  him 
Jesus  Christ  on  the  altar,  as  the  only  victim  through 
which  you  can  vsatisfy  his  justice,  and  appease  his 
wrath. 

7.  At  another  time,  put  yourself  in  the  humble  pos- 
ture and  dispositions  of  the  Publican  mentioned  in  the 
Gospel;  who,  with  a  heart  contrite,  and  humble  by 
the  remembrance  and  the  sense  of  his  sins,  stood  at 
the  door  of  the  temple,  not  daring  to  raise  his  eyes  to 

15 


170  VISITING  THL 

heaven,  and  striking"  his  breast  with  the  most  lively 
sentiments  of  repentance.  Then,  with  a  profound 
sorrow  for  your  own  sins,  repeat  his  prayer:  "  O  God! 
be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner."     Luke,  xviii.  13. 

8.  With  a  lively  faith  and  an  unbounded  confi 
dence  in  the  goodness,  and  love  of  Jesus  Christ  to 
wards  you;  lay  before  him  your  infirmities,  youi 
vices  and  imperfections,  your  poverty,  and  manifold 
wants;  and  like  the  Chananean  woman,  beseech  him 
with  perseverance,  and  holy  importunity  to  afford  you 
relief,  and  bestow  on  you  all  the  graces,  you  stand  in 
need  of;  beg"  him  with  the  blind  man  to  enlighten  you: 
"Lord,  that  1  may  see;"  with  the  leper,  to  cleanse  you: 
'•'Lord,  if  thou  wilt,  thou  canst  make  me  clean,"  &c. 

9.  Place  yourself  in  spirit  at  the  feet  of  Jesus 
Christ,  as  his  disciples  did,  or  as  that  young*  man  men- 
tioned in  the  Gospel,  who  said  to  him:  "  Master,  what 
must  I  do  to  possess  eternal  life?"  Hear  then  in  a 
profound  silence  and  recollection,  what  he  will  say 
to  you  in  the  bottom  of  your  heart.  He  will  en- 
lighten you,  and  put  you  in  mind  of  your  duty;  he 
will  sweetly  reproach  you  with  your  faults  and  de- 
fects; he  will  point  out  to  you  the  way  to  perfection. 
Listen  to  him  with  the  docility  of  an  humble  disciple, 
and  correspond  to  his  inspirations  with  the  greatest 
fidelity. 

10.  Reflecting',  sometimes,  on  the'small  number  of 
adorers,  who  come  to  make  their  court  to  Jesus 
Christ  in  his  churches,  whilst  a  multitude  flock  every 
day  to  profane  assemblies,  imagine  that  vour  Saviour, 
afflicted  at  seeing  so  few  around  him,  addresses  him- 
self to  you  and  asks  you  as  he  did  once  his  disciples: 
'•Will  you  also  go  away?"  Then,  penetrated  with  the 


BLESSED  SACRAMENT.  171 

most  lively  sentiments  of  love,  gratitude  and  sorrow, 
make  him  a  new  protestation  of  an  inviolable  fidelity, 
a  new  profession  of  your  faith,  and  dedication  of 
yourself  to  his  service;  and  exclaim  with  St.  Peter: 
"Lord!  to  whom  shall  1  gr>?  Thou  hast  the  wards 
of  eternal  life."     Johny  vi.  G9. 


THE  SEVEN  PENITENTIAL  PSALMS.* 

ANTHEM. 

Remember  not,  0  Lord!  our  offences,  nor  those  of 
Our  parents,  and  take  not  revenge  on  our  sins. 

Psalm  vi.     Bomine,  tie  in  furere. 

0  Lord!  rebuke  me  not  in  thy  indignation  nor  chas- 
tise me  in  thy  wrath. 

Have  mercy  on  me,  O  Lord!  for  I  am  weak;  heal 
me,  O  Lord!  for  all  my  bones  are  troubled. 

And  my  soul  is  troubled  exceedingly;  but  thou,  O 
Lord!  how  long? 

Turn  to  me,  O  Lord!  and  deliver  my  soul;  O!  save 
me  for  thy  mercy's  sake. 

For  there  is  no  one  in  death,  that  is  mindful  of 
thee;  and  who  shall  confess  to  thee  in  hell? 

1  have  laboured  in  my  groanings,  every  night  I  will 
wash  my  bed;  I  will  water  my  couch  with  my  tears. 

My  eye  is  troubled  through  indignation;  I  have 
grown  old  among  all  my  enemies. 

Depart  from  me,  all  ye  workers  of  iniquity;  for  the 
Lord  hath  heard  the  voice  of  my  weeping. 

The  Lord  hath  heard  my  supplication;  the  Lord 
hath  received  my  prayer. 

Let  all  my  enemies  be  ashamed,  and  very  much 
troubled;  let  them  be  turned  back  and  be  ashamed 
very  speedily. 

*  These  Psalms  should  oe  said  on  fasting  days,  and  other  pcnitcu- 
lol  time!.. 


PENITENTIAL  PSALMS.  173 

Glory  be  lu  the  Father,  and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the 
Holy  Ghost.  As  it  was  in  the  beginning",  is  now,  and 
ever  shall  be,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

Psalm  xxxi.     Beati  quorum. 

Blessed  are  they,  whose  iniquities  are  forgiven, 
and  whose  sins  are  covered. 

Blessed  is  the  man,  to  whom  the  Lord  hath  not  im- 
puted sin,  and  in  whose  spirit  there  is  no  guile. 

Because  I  was  silent,  my  bones  grew  old;  whilst  I 
cried  all  the  day  long-. 

For,  day  and  night  thy  hand  was  heavy  upon  me; 
[  am  turned  in  my  anguish,  whilst  the  thorn  is  fas- 
tened. 

I  have  acknowledged  my  sin  to  thee,  and  my  in- 
justice I  have  not  concealed. 

I  said,  I  will  confess  against  myself  my  injustice  to 
the  Lord;  and  thou  hast  forgiven  the  wickedness  of 
my  sin. 

For  this,  shall  every  one  that  is  holy,  pray  to  thee 
In  a  seasonable  time. 

Yet  in  the  deluge  of  many  waters,  they  shall  not 
come  nigh  unto  him. 

Thou  art  my  refuge  from  the  trouble  which  hath 
encompassed  me;  my  joy,  deliver  me  from  them  that 
surround  me. 

I  will  give  thee  understanding,  and  I  will  instruct 
thee  in  this  way,  in  which  thou  shalt  go;  I  will  fix 
my  eyes  upon  thee. 

Do  not  become  as  the  horse,  and  mule,  that  have 
no  understanding. 

With  bit  and  bridle  bind  fast  their  jaws,  who  come 
hot  near  unto  thee. 
15* 


174  THE  SEVEN 

Many  are  the  scourges  of  the  sinner,  but  mercy 
shall  encompass  him,  that  hopeth  in  the  Lord. 

Be  glad  in  the  Lord,  and  rejoice  ye  just!  and  glory, 
all  ye  right  of  heart! 

Glory,  &c. 

Psalm  xxxvii.     Domine,  ne  in  furore. 

Rebuke  me  not,  O  Lord!  in  thy  indignation,  nor 
chastise  me  in  thy  wrath. 

For  thy  arrows  are  fastened  in  me,  and  thy  hand 
hath  been  strong-  upon  me. 

There  is  no  health  in  my  flesh,  because  of  thy 
wrath;  there  is  no  peace  for  my  bones,  because  of 
my  sins. 

For  my  iniquities  are  gone  over  my  head?  and  as  a 
neavy  burden,  are  become  heavy  upon  me. 

My  sores  are  putrified  and  corrupted,  because  of 
my  foolishness. 

I  am  become  miserable,  and  am  bowed  down  even 
to  the  end:  I  walked  sorrowful  all  the  day  long. 

For  my  loins  are  filled  with  illusion;  and  there  is 
no  health  in  my  flesh. 

I  am  afflicted,  and  humbled  exceedingly;  I  roared 
with  the  groaning  of  my  heart. 

O  Lord!  all  my  desire  is  before  thee,  and  my  groan- 
ing is  not  hid  from  thee. 

My  heart  is  troubled,  my  strength  hath  left  me: 
and  the  light  of  my  eyes  itself  is  not  with  me. 

My  friends,  and  my  neighbours  have  drawn  near, 
and  stood  against  me. 

And  they,  that  were  near  me  stood  afar  off;  and 
they,  that  sought  my  soul,  used  violence. 

And  they  that  sought  evils  to  me,  spoke  vain  things, 
and  studied  deceits  all  the  day  long. 


PENITENTIAL  PSALMS.  175 

But  I,  as  a  deaf  man,  heard  not;  and  was  as  a  dumb 
man,  not  opening"  his  mouth. 

And  1  became  as  a  man  that  heareth  not,  and  that 
hath  no  reproofs  in  his  mouth. 

For  in  thee,  O  Lord!  have  I  hoped;  thou  wilt  hear 
me;  O  Lord!  my  God! 

For  I  said,  lest  at  any  time  my  enemies  rejoice  over 
me;  and  whilst  my  feet  are  moved,  they  speak  great 
thing's  against  me. 

For  I  am  ready  for  scourges;  and  my  sorrow  is 
continually  before  me. 

For  I  will  declare  my  iniquity;  and  I  will  think  for 
my  sin. 

But  my  enemies  live,  and  are  stronger  than  I;  and 
they  that  hate  me  wrongfully,  are  multiplied. 

Tbey,  that  render  evil  for  good,  have  detracted  me, 
because  I  followed  goodness. 

Forsake  me  not,  O  Lord!  my  God!  do  not  thou 
dep  u-t  from  me. 

Attend  unto  my  help,  O  Lord!  the  God  of  my  sal- 
vation! 

Glory,  &.c. 

Psalm  1.     Miserere. 

Have  mercy  on  me,  O  God!  according  to  thy  great 
mercy.  v 

And,  according  to  the  multitude  of  thy  tender  mer- 
cies, blot  out  my  iniquity. 

Wash  me  yet  more  from  my  iniquity,  and  cleanse 
me  from  my  sin. 

For  I  know  my  iniquity,  and  my  sin  is  always  be- 
fore me. 

To  thee  only  have  I  sinned,  and  have  done  evil  be- 


176  THE  SEVEN 

fore  thee,  that  thou  mayest  be  justified  in  thy  words, 
and  mayest  overcome  when  thou  art  judged. 

For  behold,  I  was  conceived  in  iniquities;  and  in 
sins  did  my  mother  conceive  me. 

For  behold  thou  hast  loved  truth;  the  uncertain 
and  hidden  thing's  of  thy  wisdom,  thou  hast  made 
manifest  to  me. 

Thou  shalt  sprinkle  me  with  hyssop,  and  I  shall  be 
cleansed;  thou  shalt  wash  me,  and  I  shall  be  made 
whiter  than  snow. 

To  my  hearing"  thou  shalt  give  joy,  and  gladness; 
and  the  bones,  that  are  humbled,  shall  rejoice. 

Turn  away  thy  face  from  my  sins,  and  blot  out  all 
my  iniquities. 

Create  a  clean  heart  in  me,  O  God!  and  renew  a 
right  spirit  within  my  bowels. 

Cast  me  not  away  from  thy  face,  and  take  not  thy 
holy  spirit  from  me. 

Restore  unto  me  the  joy  of  thy  salvation,  and 
strengthen  me  with  a  perfect  spirit. 

I  will  teach  the  unjust  thy  ways;  and  the  wicked 
shall  be  converted  to  thee. 

Deliver  me  from  blood,  O  God!  thou  God  of  my 
salvation!  and  my  tongue  shall  extol  thy  justice. 

O  Lord!  thou  wilt  open  my  lips,  and  my  mouth 
shall  declare  thy  praise. 

For  if  thou  hadst  desired  sacrifice,  I  could  indeed 
have  given  it:  with  burnt  offerings  thou  wilt  not  be 
delighted. 

A  sacrifice  to  God  is  an  afflicted  spirit;  a  contrite 
and  humbled  heart,  O  God!  thou  wilt  not  despise. 

Deal  favourably,  O  Lord!  in  thy  good  will  with 
Sion,  that  the  walls  of  Jerusalem  may  be  built  up. 


PENITENTIAL  PSALMS.  177 

Then  shalt  thou  accept  the  sacrifice  of  justice,  ob- 
lations, and  whole  burnt-offerings;  then  shall  they  lav 
calves  upon  thy  altar. 

Glory,  &.C. 

Psalm  ci.     Domine,  cxaudi. 

Heat*,  O  Lord!  my  prayer,  and  let  my  cry  come  to 
thee. 

Turn  not  away  thy  face  from  me;  in  the  day  when 
[  am  in  trouble,  incline  thine  ear  to  me. 

In  what  day  soever  I  shall  call  upon  thee  hear  me 
speedily. 

For,  my  days  are  vanished  like  smcke;  and  my 
bones  are  gTown  dry  as  fuel  for  the  fire. 

I  am  smitten  as  grass,  and  my  heart  is  withered; 
because  I  forgot  to  eat  my  bread. 

Through  the  voice  of  my  groaning1,  my  bone  hath 
cleaved  to  my  flesh. 

I  am  become  like  to  a  pelican  of  the  wilderness;  I 
am  like  a  night-raven  in  the  house. 

I  have  watched,  and  am  become  as  a  sparrow,  all 
alone  on  the  house  top. 

All  the  day  long-  my  enemies  reproached  me,  and 
they  that  praised  me,  did  swear  against  me. 

For  I  did  eat  ashes  like  bread,  and  mingled  my 
drink  with  weeping. 

Because  of  thy  anger  and  indignation,  for  having 
lifted  me  up,  thou  hast  thrown  me  down. 

My  days  have  declined  like  a  shadow;  and  I  am 
withered  like  grass. 

But  thou,  O  Lord!  endurest  for  ever;  and  thy  me- 
morial to  all  generations. 

Thou  shalt  arise  and  have  mercy  on  Sion;  for  it  is 
time  to  have  mercy  on  it,  for  the  time  is  come. 


For  the  stones  thereof  have  pleased  thy  servant^ 
and  they  shall  have  pity  on  the  earth  thereof. 

And  the  gentiles  shall  fear  thy  name,  O  Lord!  and 
all  the  King's  of  the  earth  thy  glory. 

For  the  Lord  hath  built  up  Sion;  and  he  shall  be 
seen  in  Ins  g-lory. 

He  hath  had  regard  to  the  prayers  of  the  humble: 
and  he  hath  not  despised  their  petition.  Let  these 
thing's  be  written  unto  another  generation;  and  the 
people,  that  shall  be  created,  shall  praise  the  Lord. 

Because  he  hath  looked  forth  from  his  high  sanc- 
tuary; from  heaven  the  Lord  hath  looked  upon  the 
earth. 

That  he  might  hear  the  groans  of  them  that  are  in 
fetters;  that  he  might  release  the  children  of  the  slain. 

That  they  may  declare  the  name  of  the  Lord  in 
Sion,  and  his  praise  in  Jerusalem. 

When  the  people  assemble  together,  and  kings  to 
serve  the  Lord. 

He  answered  him  in  the  way  of  his  strength,  de- 
clare unto  me  the  fewness  of  my  days. 

Call  me  not  away  in  the  midst  of  my  days;  thy 
years  are  unto  generation,  and  g-eneration. 

In  the  beginning,  O  Lord!  thou  foundestthe  earthi 
and  the  heavens  are  the  works  of  thy  hand. 

They  shall  perish,  but  thou  remainest;  and  all  of 
them  shall  grow  old  like  a  garment. 

And  as  a  vesture  thou  shalt  change  them,  and  the) 
shall  be  changed:  but  thou  art  always  the  self-same, 
and  thy  years  shall  not  fail. 

The  children  of  thy  servants  shall  continue;  and 
their  seed  shall  be  directed  for  ever. 

Glory,  &c. 


PENITENTIAL  PSALMS.  179 

Psalm  cxxix.     De  profundis. 

Out  of  the  depths  I  have  cried  to  thee,  O  Lord! 
Lord!  hear  my  voice. 

Let  thy  ears  be  attentive  to  the  voice  of  my  petition. 

If  thou,  O  Lord!  wilt  mark  iniquities,  Lord!  who 
shall  stand  it? 

For  with  thee,  there  is  merciful  forgiveness:  and 
by  reason  of  thy  law  I  have  waited  for  thee,  O  Lord! 

My  soul  hath  relied  on  his  word:  my  soul  hath 
hoped  in  the  Lord. 

From  the  morning-  watch  even  until  night;  let  Is- 
rael hope  in  the  Lord. 

Because  with  the  Lord  there  is  mercy,  and  with 
uim,  plentiful  redemption. 

And  he  shall  redeem  Israel,  from  all  his  iniquities. 


Psalm  cxlii.     Domine,  exaudi. 

Hear,  O  Lord!  my  prayer,  give  ear  to  my  suppli- 
cation in  thy  truth;  hear  me  in  thy  justice. 

And  enter  not  into  judgment  with  thy  servant;  for 
in  thy  sight,  no  man  living  shall  be  justified. 

For  the  enemy  hath  persecuted  my  soul;  he  hath 
brought  down  my  life  to  the  earth. 

He  hath  made  me  dwell  in  darkness,  as  those  that 
have  been  dead  of  old;  and  my  spirit  is  in  anguish 
within  me,  my  heart  within  me  is  troubled. 

I  remembered  the  days  of  old;  I  meditated  on  all 
thy  works;  I  meditated  on  the  works  of  thy  hands. 

I  stretched  forth  my  hands  to  thee,  my  soul  is  as 
earth  without  water  into  thee. 

Hear  me  speedily,  O  Lord!  my  spirit  hath  fainted 
awav. 


130  THE  L1TAN\   OF  SAINTS. 

Turn  not  away  thy  face  from  me,  lest  I  be  like  untr 
them,  that  go  down  into  the  pit. 

Cause  me  to  hear  thy  mercy  in  the  morning-,  for  ir 
thee  I  have  hoped. 

Make  the  way  known  to  me  wherein  I  should  walk 
for  I  have  lifted  up  my  soul  to  thee. 

Deliver  me  from  my  enemies,  O  Lord!  to  thee  1m  c 
I  fled;  teach  me  to  do  thy  will,  for  thou  art  my  God. 

Thy  good  spirit  shall  lead  me  into  the  right  land; 
for  thy  name's  sake,  O  Lord!  thou  wilt  quicken  me  in 
thy  justice. 

Thou  wilt  bring  my  soul  out  of  trouble;  and  in  thy 
mercy  thou  wilt  destroy  my  enemies. 

And  thou  wilt  cut  off  all  them,  that  afflict  my  soul 
for  I  am  thy  servant. 

Glory,  &c. 

ANTHEM. 

Remembeh  not,  O  Lord!  our  offences,  nor  those  cf 
our  parents,  and  take  not  revenge  of  our  sins. 

THE  LITAXT  OF  SAIXTS. 

Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 
Christ!  have  mercy  on  us. 
Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 
Christ!  hear  us,  Christ!  graciously  hear  us. 
God  the  Father  of  Heaven!  have  mercy  on  us. 
God  the  Son,  Redeemer  of  the  world!  have  merc> 
on  us. 

God  the  Holy  Ghost!  have  mercy  on  us. 
Holy  Trinity  one  God!  have  mercy  on  us. 
Holy  Mary!  ")>^ 

Holy  Mother  of  God!  f^ 

Holy  Virgin  of  Virgins!  J   ' 


THE  LITANY  OF  SAINTS.  181 

St  Michael! 

St  Gabriel! 

St.  Raphael! 

All  ye  holy  Angels,  and  Archangels! 

All  ye  holy  Orders  of  blessed  Spirits! 

St  John  the  Baptist! 

St  Joseph! 

All  ye  holy  Patriarchs  and  Prophets! 

St  Peter! 

St  Paul! 

St  Andrew! 

St  J ames !     (Son  of  Zeb. ) 
St  John! 

St  Thomas! 

St  James!     (Son  ofAlph.)  ^ 

St.  Philip!  ^ 

St  Bartholomew!  /^ 

St.  Matthew!  3 

St.  Simon!  ^ 

St.  Thaddxus! 

St.  Matthias! 

St  Barnaby! 

St  Luke! 

St  Mark! 

All  ye  holy  Apostles,  and  Evangelists! 

All  ye  holy  Disciples  of  our  Lord! 

All  ye  holy  innocents ! 

St.  Stephen! 

St  Laurence! 

St  Vincent! 

St  Fabian,  and  St  Sebastian! 

St.  John,  and  St  Paul! 
St  Cosmas,  and  St  Damian! 
16 


182  THE  LIVANY  OF  SAINTS. 

St.  Gervase,  and  St  Protase! 
All  ye  holy  Martyrs! 
St.  Sylvester! 
St.  Gregory! 
St.  Ambrose! 
St.  Augustin! 
St  Jerom! 
St.  Martin! 
St.  Nicholas! 

All  ye  holy  Bishops,  and  Confessois! 
All  ye  holy  Doctors! 
St.  Anthony! 
St.  Bennet! 
St.  Bernard! 
St.  Dominick! 
St.  Francis! 

All  ye  holy  Priests,  and  Levites! 
All  ye  holy  Monks,  and  Hermits! 
St.  Mary  Magdalen! 
St.  Agatha! 
St.  Lucy! 
St.  Agnes! 
St.  Cecily! 
St  Catherine! 
St.  Anastatia! 

All  ye  holy  Virgins,  and  Widows! 
All  ye  Men,  and  Women,  Saints  of  God!  make  in- 
tercession for  us. 

Be  merciful  unto  us.     Spare  us,  0  Lord! 

Be  merciful  unto  us.     Graciously  hear  us,  0  Lord.' 

From  all  evil, 

From  all  sin, 

From  thy  wrath, 


i. 

I 
S 


THE  L1TANV  OF  SAINTS.  133 

xFrom  a  sudden  and  unprovided  death, 

From  tlie  deceits  of  the  devil, 

From  anger,  hatred,  and  all  ill-will, 

From  the  spirit  of  fornication, 

From  lightning"  and  tempest, 

From  everlasting  death, 

Through  the  mystery  of  thy  holy  incarnation, 

Through  thy  coming, 

Through  thy  nativity, 

Through  thy  baptism  and  holy  fasting, 

Through  thy  cross  and  passion, 

Through  thy  death  and  burial, 

Through  thy  holy  resurrection, 

Through  thy  admirable  ascension, 

Through  the  coming  of  the  Holy  Ghost  the 
Comforter, 

In  the  day  of  judgment,  J 

We  sinners,  Do  beseech  thee  to  hear  us. 

That  thou  spare  us,  "" 

That  thou  pardon  us, 

That  thou  vouchsafe  to  bring  us  to  true  pen- 
ance, 

That  thou  vouchsafe  to  govern  and  preserve 
thy  holy  Church, 

That  thou  vouchsafe  to  preserve  our  Apostolic 
Prelate,  and  all  ecclesiastical  orders  in  thy  holy 
religion, 

That  thou  vouchsafe  to  humble  the  enemies  of 
thy  holy  Church, 

That  thou  vouchsafe  to  give  peace,  and  true 
concord  to  christian  kings  and  princes, 

That  thou  vouchsafe  to  grant  peace,  and  unity 
to  all  christian  people, 


>^ 


184  THE  LITANY  OF  SAINTS. 

That  thou  vouchsafe  to  confirm  and  preserve"1 
us  in  thy  holy  service, 

That  thou  lift  up  our  minds  to  heavenly  desires, 

That  thou  render  eternal  good  thing's  to  all  our 
benefactors, 

That  thou  deliver  our  souls,  and  those  of  our 
brethren,  kinsfolks,  and  benefactors,  from  eter- 
nal damnation, 

That  thou  vouchsafe  to  give,  and  preserve  the 
fruits  of  the  earth, 

That  thou  vouchsafe  to  give  eternal  rest  to  all  the 
faithful  departed,  We  beseech  thee  to  hear  us. 

That  thou  vouchsafe  graciously  to  hear  us,  We  be- 
seech thee  to  hear  us. 

Son  of  God,  We  beseech  thee  to  hear  us. 

Lamb  of  God,  who  takest  away  the  sins  of  the  world! 
Spare  us,  0  Lord! 

Lamb  of  God,  who  takest  away  the  sins  of  the  world! 
Hear  us,  0  Lord! 

Lamb  of  God,  who  takest  away  the  sins  of  the  world! 
Have  mercy  on  us. 

Christ!  hear  us;  Christ!  graciously  hear  us. 

Lord!  have  mercy  on  us;  Christ!  have  mercy  on  us; 
Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

V.  And  lead  us  not  into  temptation. 

R.  But  deliver  us  from  evil.     Amen. 

Psalm  lxix. 

O  God  !  come  to  my  assistance;  O  Lord!  make  haste 
to  help  me. 

Let  them  be  confounded,  and  ashamed  that  s^ek 
my  so\d. 


THE  LITANY  OF  SAINTS.  135 

Let  them  be  turned  backward,  and  blush  for  shame, 
that  desire  evils  to  me. 

Let  them  be  presently  turned  away,  blushing-  for 
shame,  that  say  to  me;  'Tis  well,  'tis  well! 

Let  all  that  seek  thee,  rejoice  and  be  glad  in  thee; 
and  let  such  as  love  thy  salvation  say  always:  the  Lord 
be  magnified. 

But  I  am  needy,  and  poor,  O  God!  help  me. 

Thou  art  my  helper  and  my  deliverer:  O  Lord! 
make  no  delay.     Glory  be  to  the  Father,  &.c. 

V.   Save  thy  servants. 

R.  Trusting  in  thee,  O  my  God! 

V.   Be  unto  us,  O  God!  a  tower  of  strength. 

R.  From  the  face  of  the  enemy. 

V.  Let  not  the  enemy  prevail  against  us. 

/?.  Nor  the  son  of  iniquity  have  power  to  hurt  us. 

V.  O  Lord!  deal  not  with  us  according  to  our  sins. 

R.  Neither  reward  us  according  to  our  iniquities. 

V.  Let  us  pray  for  our  chief  Bishop,  N. 

R.  The  Lord  preserve  him,  and  give  him  life,  and 
make  him  blessed  upon  earth,  and  deliver  him  not  to 
the  will  of  his  enemies. 

V.  Let  us  pray  for  our  benefactors. 

R.  Vouchsafe,  O  Lord!  for  thy  name's  sake,  to 
reward,  with  eternal  life,  all  those  who  have  done  us 
good. 

V.  Let  us  pray  for  the  faithful  departed. 

R.  Eternal  rest  give  to  them,  O  Lord!  and  let  per- 
petual light  shine  on  them. 

V.   May  they  rest  in  peace. 

R.  Amen. 

V.  For  our  absent  brethren. 

R.  O  my  God!  save  thy  servants  trusting  In  thee. 
16* 


186  THE  LITANY  OF  SAINTS. 

V.  Send  them  help,  O  Lord!  from  thy  holy  place. 

JR.  And  from  Sion  protect  them. 

V.  O  Lord!  hear  my  prayer. 

JR.  And  let  my  cry  come  unto  thee. 

Let  us  pray. 

O  God!  whose  property  is  always  to  show  mercy, 
and  to  forgive,  receive  our  petitions:  that  we,  and  all 
thy  servants,  who  are  bound  by  the  chains  of  sin, 
may,  by  the  compassion  of  thy  goodness,  mercifully 
be  absolved. 

Hear,  we  beseech  thee,  O  Lord!  the  prayers  of  thy 
suppliants,  and  pardon  the  sins  of  them  that  confess 
to  thee;  that  in  thy  bounty,  thou  mayest  give  us  par- 
don, and  peace. 

Out  of  thy  clemency,  O  Lord!  show  thy  unspeak- 
able mercy  to  us,  that  so,  thou  mayest  acquit  us  of 
our  sins,  and  deliver  us  from  the  punishments  which 
we  deserve  for  them. 

O  Gob  !  who  by  sin  art  offended,  and  by  penance 
pacified,  mercifully  regard  the  prayers  of  thy  people 
making  supplications  to  thee,  and  turn  away  the 
scourges  of  thy  anger,  which  we  deserve  for  our  sins. 

O  almighty,  and  eternal  God!  have  mercy  on  thy 
servant  N.  our  chief  Bishop,  and  direct  him  accord- 
ing to  thy  clemency,  into  the  way  of  everlasting  sal- 
vation; that  by  thy  grace  he  may  desire  those  things, 
that  are  agreeable  to  thee,  and  perform  them  with  all 
his  strength. 

O  God!  from  whom  proceed  holy  desires,  right 
counsels,  and  just  works,  give  to  thy  servants,  that 
peace  which  the  world  cannot  give;  that  our  hearts 


THE  LITANY  OF  SAINTS.  1S7 

may  oe  disposed  to  keep  thy  commandments,  and  the 
fear  of  enemies  being"  removed,  the  times,  through 
thy  protection,  may  be  peaceable. 

Iy  flame,  O  Lord!  our  reins,  and  hearts  with  the 
fire  of  thy  holy  spirit,  that  we  may  serve  thee  with  a 
chaste  body,  and  please  thee  with  a  clean  heart 

O  God  !  the  creator  and  redeemer  of  all  the  faithful! 
g-ive  to  the  souls  of  thy  servants  departed,  the  remis- 
sion of  all  their  sins;  that  throug-h  pious  supplications, 
they  may  obtain  the  pardon,  which  they  have  always 
desired. 

DinKCT,  we  beseech  thee,  O  Lord!  our  actions  by 
thy  holy  inspirations,  and  carry  them  on  by  thy  gra- 
cious assistance;  that  every  prayer  and  work  of  ours 
may  beg-in  always  from  thee,  and  by  thee  be  happily 
ended. 

O  almighty,  and  eternal  God!  who  hast  dominion 
over  the  living",  and  the  dead,  and  art  merciful  to  all 
whom  thou  knowest  shall  be  thine  by  faith  and  g-ood 
works:  we  humbly  beseech  thee,  that  they  for  whom 
we  have  purposed  to  offer  up  our  prayers,  whether 
this  present  world  still  detains  them  in  the  flesh,  or  the 
world  to  come  hath  already  received  them  out  of  their 
bodies,  may,  by  the  clemency  of  thy  g-oodness,  all  thy 
Saints  interceding-  for  them,  obtain  pardon  and  full 
remission  of  all  their  sins;  throug-h  our  Lord,  Jesus 
Christ,  thy  Son,  who  liveth  and  reigneth  one  God 
with  thee,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  world  without  end, 
A.men. 

Y.  O  Lord!  hear  my  prayer. 

R.  And  let  my  cry  come  unto  thee. 


188  THE  JESUS  PSALTER. 

V.  May  the  Almighty,  and  merciful  Lord  gracious- 
ly hear  us! 

It.   Amen. 

V.  And  may  the  souls  of  the  faithful,  through  the 
mercy  of  God,  rest  in  peace. 

R.  Amen. 

THE  JESUS  PSALTER. 

There  is  no  other  name  under  heaven  given  to  men,  in 
which  they  may  be  saved.    Acts,  iv.  12. 

The  psalters  now  in  use  among  devout  christians  are 
three.  The  first,  David's,  which  contains  thrice 
fifty  psalms.  The  second  is  that  of  our  blessed 
Lady,  commonly  called  the  rosary,  or  beads,  com- 
posed of  thrice  fifty  hail  Marys.  The  third  is  the 
psalter,  or  invocation  of  Jescs,  which  consists  of 
fifteen  petitions,  and  the  glorious  name  of  Jesus 
being  repeated  ten  times  before  each  of  them,  the 
repetition  is  made  thrice  fifty  times. 

It  may  be  said  as  the  rosary,  either  all  at  once,  or  at 
three  different  times,  according  to  the  person's  de- 
votion, and  leisure.  To  say  it,  at  three  different 
periods,  will  perhaps  be  the  more  advisable  mode, 
inasmuch  as  this  sacred  name  is  not  to  be  repeated 
hastily,  but  with  great  reverence  and  attention. 

PATtT    I. 

Begin  by  devoutly  bowing  at  the  adorable  name  of 
Jesus,  saying: 

In  the  name  of  Jesus,  every  knee  should  bow,  of 
those  that  are  in  heaven,  on  the  earth,  and  under  the 
earth:  and  every  tongue  should  confess,  that  the 
Lord,  Jesus  Christ,  is  in  the  glory  of  God  the  Father. 
Phil.  ii.  10,  11. 


THE  JESUS  PSALTER.  189 

First  Petition. 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  ^ 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  >  have  mercy  on  us. 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  j 

Jesus!  have  mercy  on  me.  O  God  of  compassion! 
forgive  the  many,  and  great  offences  I  have  commit- 
ted in  thy  sight. 

Many  have  been  the  follies  of  my  life;  and  great 
are  the  miseries,  I  have  deserved  for  my  ingratitude. 

Have  mercy  on  me,  dear  Jesus!  for  I  am  weak. 
O  Lord!  heal  me,  who  am  unable  to  help  myself. 

Deliver  me  from  setting  my  heart  upon  any  of  thy 
creatures,  which  may  divert  my  eyes  from  continually 
looking  up  to  thee. 

Grant  me  grace  henceforth,  for  the  love  of  thee, 
to  hate  sin;  and  out  of  a  just  esteem  of  thee,  to  de- 
spise all  worldly  vanities. 

Have  mercy  on  all  sinners,  O  Jesus!  I  beseech 
thee.  Turn  their  vices  into  virtues;  and,  making 
them  true  observers  of  thy  law,  and  sincere  lovers  of 
thee,  bring  them  to  bliss  and  everlasting  glory. 

Have  mercy,  also,  on  the  souls  in  purg-atory,  for 
thy  bitter  passion,  I  beseech  thee,  and  for  thy  glorious 
name,  Jesus. 

O  blessed  Trinity!  one  eternal  God!  have  mercy  on 
me. 

Our  Father,  &c.  Hail  Mary,  &c. 

Second  Petition. 


Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus, 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  ^>help  me. 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus, 


190  'I HE  JESUS  PSALTER. 

Jesus!  help  me  to  overcome  all  temptation  to  sin, 
and  the  malice  of  my  ghostly  enemy. 

Help  me  to  spend  my  lime  in  virtuous  actions,  and 
in  such  labours  as  are  acceptable  to  thee. 

To  resist  and  repress  the  motions  of  my  flesh,  in 
sloth,  gluttony,  and  lust. 

To  render  my  heart  enamoured  of  virtue,  and  in- 
flamed with  desires  of  thy  glorious  presence. 

Help  me  to  deserve,  and  keep  a  good  name,  by  a 
peaceful,  and  pious  life,  to  thy  honour,  Jesus!  my 
own  comfort,  and  the  benefit  of  others. 

Have  mercy  on  all  sinners,   8cc. 

Our  Father,  &c.  Hail  Mary,  &c. 

Third  Petition. 


Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus, 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  y  strengthen  me. 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus, 

Jesus!  strengthen  me  in  soul  and  body,  to  please 
thee  in  executing  such  works  of  virtue,  as  may  bring 
me  to  thy  everlasting  joy  and  felicity. 

Grant  me  a  firm  purpose,  most  merciful  Saviour! 
to  reform  my  life,  and  make  amends  for  the  years 
past — Those  years  which  I  have  mispent,  to  thy  dis- 
pleasure, in  vain  or  wicked  thoughts,  words,  deeds, 
and  evil  customs. 

Make  my  heart  obedient  to  thy  will,  and  ready  for 
thy  love,  to  perform  all  the  works  of  mercy. 

Grant  me  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  which  through 
a  virtuous  life,  and  a  devout  frequenting  of  thy  most 
holy  sacraments,  may  at  length  bring  me  to  thy  hea- 
venly kingdom. 


THE  JESUS  PSALTER.  l^J 

Have  mercy  on  all  sinners,  8cc. 
Our  Father,  &c.  Hail  Mary,  &c. 

Fourth  Petition. 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  ") 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  v  comfort  me. 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  J 

Jesus!  comfort  me,  and  give  me  grace  to  place  \ny 
chief,  my  only  joy,  and  felicity  in  thee. 

Send  me  heavenly  meditations,  spiritual  sweet- 
nesses, and  fervent  desires  of  thy  glory.  Ravish  me 
soul  with  the  contemplations  of  heaven,  where  I 
shall  everlastingly  dwell  with  thee. 

Bring  often  to  my  remembrance  thy  unspeakable 
g-oodness,  thy  gifts,  and  the  great  kindness,  which 
thou  hast  shown  to  me. 

And  when  thou  bringest  to  my  mind  the  sad  re- 
membrance of  my  sins,  whereby  I  have  so  ungrate- 
fully offended  thee,  comfort  me  with  the  assurance 
of  obtaining  thy  grace  by  the  spirit  of  perfect  repent- 
ance, which  may  purg-e  away  my  guilt,  and  prepare 
me  for  thy  kingdom. 

Have  mercy  on  all  sinners,  kc. 

Our  Father,  &c.  Hail  Man-,  &c. 


Fifth  Petition. 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  ") 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  j*  make  me  constant 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  J 

Jesvs  !  make  me  constant  in  faith,  hope,  and  chari- 
ty; giving1  me  a  perseverance  in  all  virtue,  and  a  res- 
olution never  to  offend  thee. 

Let  the  memory  of  thy  passion,  and  of  those  bitter 


I Q«2  THE  JESUS  PSALTER. 

pains  thou  sufferedst  for  me,  strengthen  my  patience, 
and  recreate  me  in  all  tribulation  and  adversity. 

Let  me  always  hold  fast  the  doctrines  of  thy  cath- 
olic church;  and  render  me  a  diligent  frequenter  of 
all  holy  duties. 

Let  no  false  delight  of  this  deceitful  world  blind 
me,  no  temptation  of  the  flesh  or  fraud  of  the  devil 
shake  my  heart — My  heart,  which  has  for  ever  setup 
its  rest  in  thee,  and  resolved  to  undervalue  them  all 
for  thy  eternal  reward. 

Have  mercy  on  all  sinners,  I  beseech  thee,  O  Jesus! 
Turn  their  vices  into  virtues;  and  making  them  true 
observers  of  thy  law,  and  sincere  lovers  of  thee,  bring 
them  to  bliss  in  everlasting  glory. 

Have  mercy  also,  on  the  souls  in  purgatory,  for 
thy  bitter  passion,  I  beseech  thee,  and  for  thy  glo- 
rious name,  Jesus. 

O  blessed  Trinity!  one  eternal  God,  have  mercy 
on  me. 

"Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  humbled  himself,  becom- 
ing obedient  unto  death,  even  the  death  of  the  cross." 
Phil  ii.  8. 

Hear  these  my  petitions,  O  most  merciful  Saviour! 
and  grant  me  thy  grace  so  frequently  to  repeat  and 
consider  them,  that  they  may  prove  easy  steps,  where- 
by my  soul  may  mount  to  the  knowledge,  love,  and 
performance  of  my  duty  to  thee  and  my  neighbour, 
through  the  whole  course  of  my  life.     Amen. 

Our  Father,  &,c.  Hail  Mary,  &c.  I  believe  in 
God,  &c. 

PART  II. 

Begin  as  before,  saying; 
Ik  the  name  of  Jesus  every  knee  should  bow,  &c 


THE  JESUS  PSALTER.  193 

Sixth  Petition. 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus, ~) 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  r^f^™  *"*  ^^ 

Jesas,  Jesus,  Jesus,  J 

Jesus!  enlighten  me  with  spiritual  wisdom,  to  know 
thy  goodness,  and  all  those  tilings  which  are  most  ac- 
ceptable to  thee. 

Grant  me  a  clear  apprehension  of  my  only  good, 
and  a  discretion  to  order  my  life  according  to  it. 

Grant  that  I  may  wisely  proceed  from  virtue  to 
virtue,  till  at  length  I  arrive  unto  the  clear  vision  of 
thy  glorious  Majesty. 

Permit  me  not,  dear  Lord!  to  return  to  those  sins 
for  which  I  have  been  sorry,  and  of  which  I  have 
purified  myself  by  confession. 

Grant  me  grace  to  benefit  the  souls  of  others  by 
my  good  example,  and  to  reduce  those,  by  my  good 
counsel,  who  misbehave  themselves  towards  me. 

Have  mercy  on  all  sinners,  O  Jesus!  I  beseech 
thee.  Turn  their  vices  into  virtues;  and  making 
them  true  observers  of  thy  law,  and  sincere  lovers  of 
thee,  bring  them  to  bliss  in  everlasting  glory. 

Have  mercy  also  on  the  souls  in  purgatory,  for  thy 
bitter  passion,  I  beseech  thee,  and  for  thy  glorious 
name,  Jesus. 

O  blessed  Trinity!  One  eternal  God!  have  mercy 
on  me. 

Our  Father,  &c.  Hail  Mary,  8cc. 

Seventh  Petition. 
Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  ~) 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  I  grant  me  grace  to  fear  thee. 
Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  J 

17 


194  THE  JESUS  PSALTER. 

Jesus!  grant  me  grace  inwardly  to  fear  thee,  and 
lo  avoid  all  occasions  of  offending-  thee. 

Let  thy  threats  of  the  torments,  which  are  to  fall 
on  sinners,  the  dread  of  losing*  thy  love,  and  thy 
heavenly  inheritance,  always  keep  me  in  awe. 

Let  me  not  dare  to  remain  in  sin,  but  return  soon 
to  repentance,  lest,  through  thy  ang-er,  the  dreadful 
sentence  of  endless  death  and  damnation  fall  upon  me 

Let  the  powerful  intercession  of  thy  blessed  mo 
ther,  and  all  thy  saints — but  above  all,  let  thy  own 
merits  and  mercy,  O  my  Saviour!  ever  be  between 
thy  avenging*  justice,  and  my  poor  soul. 

Enable  me,  O  my  God !  to  work  out  my  salvation 
with  fear  and  trembling";  and  let  the  apprehension  of 
thy  secret  judgments  render  me  a  more  humble,  and 
dilig-ent  suitor  at  the  throne  of  thy  grace. 

Have  mercy  on  all  sinners,  &c. 

Our  Father,  See.  Hail  Mary,  &c. 

Eighth  Petition. 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  ~\ 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  >  grant  me  grace  to  love  thee. 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  J 

Jesus!  grant  me  grace  truly  to  love  thee  For  thy 
infinite  goodness,  and  those  excessive  bounties  I  have 
received,  and  hope  for  ever  to  receive  from  thee. 

Let  the  remembrance  of  thy  kindness,  and  patience 
conquer  the  malice,  and  wretched  inclinations  of  my 
perverse  nature. 

Let  the  consideration  of  thy  many  deliverances, 
thy  frequent  calls,  and  continual  assistance  in  the  ways 
of  life,  make  me  ashamed  of  my  ingratitude. 

And  what  dost  thou  require  of  me  for  all  thy  mtr- 


THE  JESUS  PSALTER.  195 

cies,  but  to  love  thee?  And  why  dost  thou  require  it, 
but  because,  thou  art  my  only  good? 

O  my  dear  Lord!  my  whole  life  shall  be  nothing 
but  a  desire  of  thee:  and,  because  I  now  indeed  love 
thee,  I  will  most  diligently  keep  thy  commandments. 

Have  mercy  on  all  sinners,  &c. 

Our  Father,  &c.  Hail  Mary,  &c. 

Ninth  Petition. 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  \ 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  \  ^ant  me  ^ace  to  ^member 

T  ,  T  v      my  death. 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  j         J 

Jesus!  grant  me  grace  always  to  remember  my 
death,  and  the  great  account  I  am  then  to  give;  that 
so  my  soul  being  always  well  disposed,  it  may  depart 
from  this  world  in  thy  grace. 

Then,  by  the  holy  intercession  of  thy  blessed  mo- 
ther, and  the  assistance  of  the  glorious  St.  Michael, 
deliver  me  from  the  enemy  of  my  soul.  And  thou, 
my  good  angel!  I  beseech  thee  to  help  me,  at  that 
most  important  hour. 

Then,  dear  Jesus!  remember  thy  mercy,  and  turn 
not  thy  most  amiable  face  away  from  me,  because  of 
my  offences.  Secure  me  against  the  terrors  of  that 
day,  by  causing  me  now  to  die  daily  to  earthly  tilings, 
and  to  have  my  conversation  continually  in  heaven. 

Let  the  remembrance  of  thy  death  teach  me  how 
to  esteem  my  life:  and  the  memory  of  thy  resurrec- 
tion, encourage  me  to  descend  cheerfully  into  the 
grave. 

Have  mercy  on  all  sinners,  &c. 

Our  Father,  &.c.  Hail  Mary,  &c. 


196  THE  JESUS  PSAXTER. 

Tenth  Petition. 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  -\ 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  C  send  me  here  my  purgatory. 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  ) 

Jesus  !  send  me  here  my  purgatory,  and  so  prevent 
the  torments  of  that  cleansing  fire,  which  attends 
those  souls  in  the  next  world,  that  have  not  been  suf- 
ficiently purged  in  this. 

Vouchsafe  to  grant  me  those  merciful  crosses  and 
afflictions,  which  thou  seest  necessary,  for  withdraw- 
ing my  affections  from  all  things  here  below. 

Since  none  can  see  thee,  that  loves  any  thing, 
which  is  not  for  thy  sake,  suffer  not  my  heart  to  find 
any  rest  here,  but  in  sighing  after  thee. 

Too  bitter,  alas!  will  be  the  anguish  of  a  soul, 
which  is  separated  from  thee;  which  desires,  but 
cannot  come  to  thee;  being  clogged  with  the  heavy 
chains  of  sin. 

Here  then,  O  Saviour!  keep  me  continually  morti- 
fied to  this  world,  that,  being  cleansed  thoroughly 
with  the  fire  of  thy  love,  I  may  immediately  pass 
from  hence  into  thy  everlasting  possessions. 

Have  mercy  on  all  sinners,  O  Jesus!  I  beseech 
thee.  Turn  their  vices  into  virtues:  and  making 
them  true  observers  of  thy  law,  and  sincere  lovers 
of  thee,  bring  them  to  bliss  in  everlasting  glory. 

Have  mercy  also  on  the  souls  in  purgatory,  for 
thy  bitter  passion,  I  beseech  thee,  and  for  thy  glo- 
rious name,  Jesus. 

O  blessed  Trinity!  One  eternal  God!  have  mercy 
on  me. 

"  Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  humbled  himself,  beconv 


THE  JESUS  PSALTER.  197 

ing  obedient  unto  death,  even  the  death  of  the  cross." 
Phil,  ii.  8. 

Hear  these  my  petitions,  8cc. 

Our  Father,  kz.  Hail  Mary,  Sec  I  believe  in 
God,  &c. 

PART  III. 

Beg-^n  as  before,  saying; 
Im  the  name  of  Jesus  every  knee  should  bow,  &c. 

Eleventh  Petition. 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  }  . 

,  T  T  f  errant  me  crrace  to  avoid  ill 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  V  °  & 

T  T  T  V      companv. 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  j  i 

Jesus  !  grant  me  grace  to  avoid  ill  company;  or  if 
I  chance  to  come  among  such,  I  beseech  thee  by  the 
merits  of  thy  uncorrupt  conversation  among  sinners, 
preserve  me  from  being  overcome  by  any  tempta- 
tions to  mortal  sin. 

Cause  me,  O  blessed  Lord!  to  remember  always 
with  dread,  that  thou  art  present,  who  wilt  take  an 
account  of  all  our  words  and  actions,  and  wilt  judge 
us  according"  to  them. 

How  dare  I  then  converse  with  slanderers,  liars, 
drunkards,  or  swearers,  or  with  those  whose  discourse 
»°  either  quarrelsome,  dissolute  or  vain. 

Repress  in  me,  dear  Jesus!  all  inordinate  affections 
to  carnal  pleasure,  and  to  the  delight  of  taste;  grant- 
ing me  the  grace  to  avoid  such  company,  as  would 
blow  the  fire  of  those  unruly  appetites. 

Thy  power  defend,  thy  wisdom  direct,  thy  father- 
ly  pity   chastise  me,  and   make   me  live  so,  here, 
among  men,  that  I  may  be  fit  for  the  conversation  of 
angels  hereafter. 
17* 


198  THE  JESUS    PSALTER. 

Have  mercy  on  all  sinners,  &c. 
Our  Father,  &c.    Hail  Mary,  &c. 

Twelfth  Petition. 
Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  ) 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  £  Srant   ™e  ^'ace  to   cal1  on 
T  T  T  S      thee  for  help. 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  J  l 

Jesus  !  grant  me  grace,  in  all  my  necessities,  to  call 
on  thee  for  help,  faithfully  remembering-  thy  death, 
and  resurrection  for  me. 

Wilt  thou  be  deaf  to  my  cries,  who  wouldst  lay 
down  thy  life  for  my  ransom?  Or,  canst  thou  not  save 
me,  who  couldst  take  it  up  again,  for  my  crown. 

Whom  have  I  in  heaven,  but  thee,  O  my  Jesus! 
whose  blessed  mouth  has  pronounced,  "call  on  me 
in  the  day  of  trouble,  and  I  will  deliver  thee." 

Thou  art  my  sure  rock  of  defence  against  all  sorts 
of  enemies.  Thou  art  my  ready  grace,  able  to 
strengthen  me  to  do  every  good  work. 

Therefore,  in  all  my  suffering's,  in  all  my  weak- 
nesses and  temptations,  I  will  confidently  call  on  thee. 
Hear  me,  O  my  Jesus!  and  when  thou  hearest,  have 
mercy. 

Have  mercy  on  all  sinners,  &c. 

Our  Father,  &c.     Hail  Mary,  &c. 

Thirteenth  Petition. 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  \ 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  >  make  me  persevere  in  virtue. 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  j 

Jesus!  make  me  persevere  in  virtue,  and  a  good 
life,  and  never  give  over  thy  service,  till  thou  bring" 
est  me  to  my  reward  in  thy  kingdom. 


THE  JESUS  PSALTER.  199 

In  all  pious  customs  and  holy  duties,  in  my  honest, 
and  necessary  employments,  continue  and  strengthen, 
O  Lord,  both  my  soul,  and  body. 

Is  my  life  any  thing"  but  a  pilgrimage  on  earth,  to- 
wards the  new  Jerusalem,  to  which  he  that  sits  down, 
or  turns  out  of  his  way,  can  never  arrive? 

O  Jesus!  make  me  always  consider  thy  blessed  ex- 
ample. Through  how  much  pain,  and  how  little 
pleasure,  thou  pressedst  on  to  a  bitter  death;  that, 
being  the  way  to  a  glorious  resurrection. 

Make  me,  O  my  Redeemer!  seriously  weigh  those, 
severe  words  of  thine,  that  he  only  that  perseveres 
to  the  end,  shall  be  saved. 

Have  mercy  on  all  sinners,  &c. 

Our  Father,  &c.     Hail  Mary,  &c 

Fourteenth  Petition. 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  j  me  tQ  fix   my 

Jesus,  Jesus,  JesusA      mind  on  ^^ 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  j 

Jesus  !  gTant  me  gTace  to  fix  my  mind  on  thee,  es- 
pecially in  time  of  prayer,  when  I  directly  converse 
with  thee. 

Stop  the  fancies  of  my  wandering  mind,  the  desires 
of  my  unsteady  heart;  and  suppress  the  power  of  my 
spiritual  enemies,  who  endeavour,  at  that  time,  to 
draw  my  mind  from  heavenly  thoughts,  to  many  vain 
imaginations. 

So  shall  I,  with  joy  and  gratitude,  look  on  thee 
as  my  deliverer  from  all  the  evils,  I  have  escaped, 
and  as  my  benefactor  for  all  the  goods,  I  have  ever 
received,  or  can  hope  for. 

J  shall  see,  that  thou  thyself  art  my  only  good,  and 


200  THE  JESUS  PSALTER. 

that  all  other  things,  are  but  means  ordained  by  thee, 
to  make  me  fix  my  mind  on  thee,  to  make  me  love 
thee  more  and  more;  and,  by  loving- thee,  to  be  eter- 
nally happy. 

O  beloved  of  my  soul!  take  up  all  my  thoughts 
here;  that  my  eyes,  abstaining- from  all  vain  and  hurt- 
ful sig-hts,  may  become  worthy  to  behold  thee  face  to 
face,  in  thy  glory,  for  ever. 

Have  mercy  on  all  sinners,  &c. 

Our  Father,  &c.     Hail  Mary,  &c. 

Fifteenth  Petition. 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  ~\  give  me  grace  to  order  my 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  £»     life  with  reference  to  my 

Jesus,  Jesus,  Jesus,  3      eternal  welfare. 

Jesus!  give  me  grace  to  order  my  life  with  refer- 
ence to  my  eternal  welfare,  heartily  intending,  and 
wisely  resigning  all  the  operations  of  my  body  and 
soul,  for  obtaining  the  reward  of  thy  infinite  bliss, 
and  eternal  felicity. 

For  what  else  is  this  world,  but  a  school  to  instruct 
souls,  and  fit  them  for  the  other?  And  how  are  they 
fitted,  but  by  an  eager  desire  of  enjoying  God,  their 
only  end? 

Break  my  froward  spirit,  O  Jesus!  make  it  humble 
and  obedient.  Grant  me  grace  to  depart  hence  with 
a  contempt  of  this  world,  and  a  heart  filled  with  joy 
at  my  going  to  thee. 

Let  the  memory  of  thy  passion  make  me  cheer- 
fully undergo  all  temptations  or  sufferings  here,  for 
thy  love;  while  my  soul  breathes  after  that  bi;«sf«M 
life,  and  immortal  glory,  which  thou  hast  ordamed  in 
heaven  for  thy  servants. 


DEVOTIONS  TO  INFANT  JEsuS.       201 

O  Jesus!  let  me  frequently  and  attentively  consider, 
that  whatsoever  I  gain,  if  I  lose  thee,  all  is  lost;  and 
whatsoever  I  lose,  if  I  gain  thee,  all  is  gained. 

Have  mercy  on  all  sinners,  &c. 

"Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  humbled  himself,  becom- 
ing obedient  unto  death,  even  the  death  of  the 
cross."     Phil.  ii.  8. 

Hear  these  my  petitions,  8cc. 

Our  Father,  &c.  Hail  Mary,  &c.  I  believe  in 
God,  &c. 

DEVOTIONS  TO  INFANT  JESUS. • 

Aspirations. 

O  divine  Infant  of  Bethlehem!  whom  we  adore 
and  acknowledge  to  be  our  Sovereign  Lord,  come 
and  take  birth  in  our  hearts.  Amen. 

O  ikfaht  Jesus!  grant  that  each  moment  of  our 
lives,  we  may  pay  homage  to  that  moment,  in  which 
thou  didst  begin  the  work  of  our  salvation.  Amen. 

O  sacked  Mother  of  our  Infant  Saviour!  obtain 
that  we  may  so  prepare  ourselves  for  his  coming,  as 
not  to  be  separated  from  him  for  all  eternity.  Amen. 

THE    LITAXY    OF    IXFAXT    JESUS. 

Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Christ!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Christ!  hear  us.     Christ!  graciously  hear  us. 

•  These  devotions  may  be  used  from  Christmas  to  Candlemas. 


202       DEVOTIONS  TO  INFANT  JESUS 

God  the  Father  of  heaven ! 
God  the  Son,  Redeemer  of  the  world! 
God  the  Holy  Ghost! 
Holy  Trinity,  one  God! 
Infant  Jesus  Christ! 
Infant,  true  God! 
Infant,  Son  of  the  living"  God! 
Infant,  Son  of  the  Virgin  Mary! 
Infant,  begotten  before  the  day  star! 
Infant,  the  Word  made  flesh! 
Infant,  the  wisdom  of  thy  Father! 
Infant,  the  integrity  of  thy  Mother! 
Infant,  the  only  begotten  of  thy  Father! 
Infant,  the  first  born  of  thy  Mother! 
Infant,  the  image  of  thy  Father! 
Infant,  the  origin  of  thy  Mother! 
Infant,  the  brightness  of  thy  Father! 
Infant,  the  honour  of  thy  Mother! 
Infant,  equal  to  thy  Father! 
Infant,  subject  to  thy  Mother! 
Infant,  the  delights  of  thy  Father! 
Infant,  the  riches  of  thy  Mother! 
Infant,  the  gift  of  thy  Father! 
Infant,  the  treasure  of  thy  Mother! 
Infant,  the  Creator  of  man! 
Infant,  the  fruit  of  a  virgin! 
Infant,  the  virtue  of  God! 
Infant,  the  companion  of  man! 
Infant,  our  God! 
Infant,  our  brother! 

Infant,  pilgrim  on  earth,  yet  in  the  fruition  of 
glory 


DEVOTIONS  TO  INFANT  JESUS.       203 

Infant,  possessed  of  heavenly  bliss,  yet  in  the"> 
pilgrimage  of  mortality! 

Infant,  a   perfect    man    from    thy   Mother's 
womb ! 

Infant,  endowed  with,  the  wisdom  of  old  age 
from  thy  childhood! 

Infant,  the  Father  of  ages! 

Infant,  of  a  few  days! 

Infant,  life  in  want  of  food! 

Infant,  the  word  reduced  to  silence! 

Infant,  crying-  in  the  crib ! 

Infant,  thundering"  in  heaven! 

Infant,  the  terror  of  hell! 

Infant,  the  joy  of  paradise! 

Infant,  formidable  to  tyrants! 

Infant,  desired  by  the  wise  men! 

Infant,  exiled  from  thy  people ! 

Infant,  king-  in  thy  exile ! 

Infant,  the  overthrower  of  idols! 

Infant,  zealous  for  thy  Father's  glory! 

Infant,  strong-  in  thy  weakness! 

Infant,  powerful  in  thy  littleness! 

Infant,  treasure  of  grace! 

Infant,  light  of  glory! 

Infant,  fountain  of  love! 

Infant,  source  of  sanctity! 

Infant,  the  restorer  of  lost  heaven! 

Infant,  the  repairer  of  the  earth ! 

Infant,  the  head  of  angels! 

Infant,  the  root  of  patriarchs ! 

Infant,  the  word  of  the  prophets! 


2 


204       DEVOTIONS  TO  INFANT  JESUS. 

Infant,  the  desire  of  nations! 

Infant,  the  joy  of  the  shepherds! 

Infant,  the  light  of  the  sages ! 

Infant,  the  salvation  of  the  infants! 

Infant,  the  expectation  of  the  just! 

Infant,  the  teacher  of  the  wise! 

Infant,  the  first  fruit  of  all  saints! 

Be  merciful;  spare  us,  Infant  Jesus! 

Be  merciful;  hear  us,  Infant  Jesus! 

From  the  yoke  of  slavery  imposed   on  the 
children  of  Adam, 

From  the  captivity  of  the  devil, 

From  the  wickedness  of  the  world, 

From  the  concupiscence  of  the  flesh, 

From  the  pride  of  life, 

From  inordinate  curiosity, 

From  blindness  of  mind, 

From  a  perverse  will, 

From  our  sins, 

Through  thy  most  pure  conception, 

Through  thy  most  humble  birth, 

Through  thy  tears, 

Through  thy  most  painful  circumcision, 

Through  thy  most  glorious  manifestation, 

Through  thy  most  devout  presentation, 

Through  thy  most  innocent  conversation, 

Through  thy  most  divine  life, 

Through  thy  poverty, 

Through  thy  sufferings, 

Through  thy  travels  and  labours, 

Lamb  of  God,  who  takest  away  the  sins  of  the 
world!     Spare  us,  O  Infant  Jesus! 


SACRED  HEART  OF  JESUS.      205 

Lamb  of  God,  who  takest  away  the  sins  of  the 
world!    Hear  us,  O  Infant  Jesus! 

Lamb  of  God,  who  takest  away  the  sins  of  the 
world!   Have  mercy  on  us,  O  Infant  Jesus' 

Jesus  Infant!  hear  us. 

Jesus  Infant!  graciously  hear  us. 

Let  us  pray. 

O  Lord  Jesus!  who  hast  vouchsafed  to  debase  the 
sublimity  of  thy  incarnate  divinity,  and  of  thy  most 
divine  humanity  to  the  humble  state  of  birth,  and  in- 
fancy; mercifully  grant,  that  acknowledging  thy  di- 
vine wisdom  in  thy  infancy,  thy  power  in  thy  weak- 
ness, thy  majesty  in  thy  littleness;  we  may  adore  thee 
little  and  debased  on  earth,  and  behold  thee  great 
and  exalted  in  heaven:  who  livest  and  reignest  world 
without  end.   Amen. 

May  the  infant  Jesus  Christ  hear  us  now,  and  for 
ever.   Amen. 

DEVOTIONS  TO  THE  SACRED  HEART  OF 
JESUS. 

An  act  of  consecration  to  the  sacred  Heart  of 

Jesus. 

O  most  amiable  Heart  of  my  divine  Redeemer! 

considering  thy  infinite  love  for  all  men,  and  for  me 

in  particular;    in  view   of  the  oppressing  grief  and 

other  pains  thou  hast  endured  for  my  sins;  in  view  of 

the  most  precious  blood,  thou  hast  been  pleased  to 

shed  for  my  redemption;    in   view  of  the  excessive 

love,  thou  hast  shown  us  in  the  institution  of  the  most 

blessed  Sacrament  of  the  altar;  and  in  view  of  those 

infinite  perfections,  which  make  thee  so  amiable,  I, 

N.  do  this  dav  consecrate  mvself  to  thee  without  re- 

'18 


206  DEVOTIONS  TO  THE 

serve,  for  the  remainder  of  my  life.  I  consecrate  to 
tbee  my  body,  my  soul,  my  thoughts,  my  desires,  my 
words,  my  actions,  and  my  suffering's;  desiring  there- 
by, to  contribute  to  thy  greater  glory.  In  particular, 
I  consecrate  to  thee  my  heart  with  all  its  motions, 
desiring*  it  may  love  thee  alone,  rejoice  in  thee  alone, 
and  breathe  for  thee  alone.  Receive  it  then,  O  di- 
vine Heart  of  Jesus!  purify  it,  sanctify  it,  and  inflame 
it  with  thy  most  pure  love,  that  it  may  no  longer  act, 
but  by  the  motion  of  thy  love;  nor  suffer,  but  for 
thy  love;  grieve  only,  because  it  loves  thee  so  little; 
find  its  only  joy  in  thy  love;  desire  nothing  but  a 
continual  increase  of  that  love;  and  fear  nothing  but 
the  extinction,  or  even  a  diminution  of  that  love.  In 
a  word,  make  my  heart  like  to  thee;  that  by  thee, 
with  thee,  and  in  thee,  it  may  eternally  love  the  Fa- 
ther, the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost.  Amen. 

Reparation  of  honour  to  the  sacred  Heart 
O  most  amiable  and  adorable  Heart!  centre  of  all 
earts,  glowing  with  charity,  and  inflamed  with  zeal 
for  the  interest  of  thy  Father,  and  the  salvation  of 
mankind.  O  Heart!  ever  sensible  of  our  miser}', 
and  ever  in  motion  to  redress  our  evils,  the  real  vic- 
tim of  love  in  the  holy  Eucharist,  and  a  propitiatory 
sacrifice  for  sin  on  the  altar  of  the  cross.  Seeing  that 
the  generality  of  Christians  make  no  other  return  for 
these,  thy  mercies,  than  contempt  of  thy  favours,  for- 
getfulness  of  their  own  obligation,  and  ingratitude  to 
the  best  of  benefactors,  is  it  not  just,  that  we,  thy 
servants,  penetrated  with  the  deepest  sense  of  the 
like  indignities,  should  enter  upon  a  due  and  satis- 
factory reparation  of  honour  to  thy  most  sacred  ma- 


SACRED  HEART  OF  JESUS.     207 

jesty?  Prostrate  therefore  in  body,  and  humbled  in 
mind,  before  heaven  and  earth,  we  solemnly  declare 
our  utter  detestation,  and  abhorrence  of  such  a  con- 
duct. Inexpressible,  we  know,  was  the  bitterness 
which  the  multitude  of  our  sins  brought  on  thy 
tender  Heart;  insufferable  the  weight  of  our  iniqui- 
ties, which  pressed  thy  face  to  the  earth  in  the  gar- 
den of  Olives,  and  insurmountable  thy  ang*uish,  when 
expiring-  with  love,  grief,  and  agony  on  Mount  Cal- 
vary, with  thy  last  breath  thou  wouldst  reclaim  sin- 
ners to  their  duty,  and  repentance.  This  we  know, 
O  deai*  Redeemer!  and  would  most  willingly  redress 
these,  thy  sufferings,  by  our  own,  or  share  with  thee 
in  thine. 

O  merciful  Jesus!  ever  present  on  our  altars,  and 
with  a  heart  open  to  receive  all  who  "labour  and  are 
burdened.'*  O  adorable  Heart!  source  of  true  con- 
trition, impart  to  our  hearts  the  true  spirit  of  pen- 
ance, and  to  our  eyes  a  fountain  of  tears,  that  we  may 
bewail  and  wash  off  our  sins,  and  those  of  the  world. 
Pardon,  divine  Jesus!  all  the  injuries,  reproaches, 
and  outrages  done  thee,  through  the  course  of  thy 
holy  life,  and  bitter  passion.  Pardon  all  the  im- 
pieties, irreverences,  and  sacrileges,  which  have  been 
committed  against  thee  in  the  Sacrament  of  the  Eu- 
charist, from  its  first  institution.  Graciously  receive 
the  small  tribute  of  our  sincere  repentance,  as  an 
agreeable  offering  in  thy  sight,  and  in  requital  for  the 
benefits  we  daily  receive  from  the  altar,  on  which 
thou  art  a  living  and  continual  sacrifice,  and  in  union 
of  that  bloody  Holocaust,  thou  didst  present  to  thy 
eternal  Father  on  Mount  Calvary  from  the  cross. 

Sweet  Jesus!  give  thy  blessings  to  the  ardent  de 


208  DEVOTIONS  TO  THE 

sire  we  now  entertain,  and  the  holy  resolution  we 
have  taken,  of  ever  loving  and  adoring  thee,  after  a 
proper  manner  in  the  holy  Eucharist,  thy  Sacrament 
of  Love,  thus  to  repair  by  a  true  conversion  of  heart, 
and  a  becoming  zeal  for  thy  glory,  our  past  negli- 
gence and  infidelity.  But  thou,  O  adorable  Heart! 
who  knowest  the  clay  of  which  we  are  formed,  be 
thou,  our  mediator  with  thy  heavenly  Father,  whom 
we  have  so  grievously  offended.  Strengthen  our 
weakness,  confirm  our  resolution,  and  with  thy 
charity,  humility,  meekness  and  patience,  cover  the 
multitude  of  our  iniquities.  Be  thou  our  support, 
our  refuge,  and  our  strength,  that  nothing  hencefor- 
ward in  life  or  death  may  separate  us  from  thee. 
Amen. 

The  prayer  of  S.  Gertrude  to  the  Heart  of 
Jesus. 
Hail,  O  sacred  Heart  of  Jesus!  living  and  quick- 
ening source  of  eternal  life,  infinite  treasury  of  the 
divinity,  burning  furnace  of  divine  love!  Thou  ail 
my  refuge  and  my  sanctuary.  O  my  amiable  Saviour! 
consume  my  heart  with  that  burning  fire,  with  which 
thine  is  ever  inflamed,  pour  down  on  my  soul,  those 
graces,  which  flow  from  thy  love,  and  let  my  heart 
be  so  united  with  thine,  that  our  wills  may  be  one, 
and  mine,  in  all  things  conformed  to  thine.  May 
thine  be  the  standard  and  rule  of  my  desires,  and  of 
my  actions.    Amen. 

THE  LITANY  OF  THE  SACRED  HEART. 

Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 
Christ!  have  mercy  on  us. 
Lord!  have  mercy  on  us.  | 


SACRED  HEART  OF  JESUS.  209 

Christ!  hear  us. 

Christ!   graciously  hear  us. 

God,  the  Father  of  Heaven! 

God,  the  Son,  Redeemer  of  the  world! 

God,  the  Holy  Ghost! 

Holy  Trinity,  one  God! 

Heart  of  Jesus! 

Heart  of  Jesus,  formed  in  the  womb  of  the 
most  blessed  Virgin! 

Heart  of  Jesus,  hypostatic  ally  united  to  the 
eternal  Word! 

Heart  of  Jesus,  sanctuary  of  the  divinity! 

Heart  of  Jesus,  tabernacle  of  the  most  holy 
Trinity! 

Heart  of  Jesus,  temple  of  all  sanctity! 

Heart  of  Jesus,  fountain  of  all  graces! 

Heart  of  Jesus,  most  meek! 

Heart  of  Jesus,  most  humble! 

Heart  of  Jesus,  most  obedient! 

Heart  of  Jesus,  furnace  of  love! 

Heart  of  Jesus,  treasure  of  wisdom! 

Heart  of  Jesus,  ocean  of  bounty ! 

Heart  of  Jesus,  throne  of  mercy! 

Heart  of  Jesus,  abyss  of  all  virtues! 

Heart  of  Jesus,  sorrowful  in  the  garden! 

Heart  of  Jesus,  spent  with  a  bloody  sweat! 

Heart  of  Jesus,  satiated  with  reproaches! 

Heart  of  Jesus,  wounded  for  our  sins! 

Heart  of  Jesus,  made  obedient  even  unto  the 
death  of  the  cross! 

Heart  of  Jesus,  pierced  with  a  lance! 

Heart  of  Jesus,  refuge  of  sinners! 

Heart  of  Jesus,  fortitude  of  the  just! 
18* 


<: 


3 
hi 


210  DEVOTIONS  TO  THE 

Heart  of  Jesus,  comfort  of  the  afflicted!  "*\ 

Heart  of  Jesus,  main  strength  of  the  tempted! 

Heart  of  Jesus,  terror  of  the  devils! 

Heart  of  Jesus,  sanctification  of  hearts! 

Heart  of  Jesus,  perseverance  of  the  good! 

Heart  of  Jesus,  hope  of  the  dying"! 

Heart  of  Jesus,  joy  of  the  blessed! 

Heart  of  Jesus,  the  delight  of  all  the  saints!   ^ 

Lamb  of  God,  who  takest  away  the  sins  of  the 
world!   spare  us,  O  Jesus! 

Lamb  of  God,  who  takest  away  the  sins  of  the 
world!  hear  us,  O  Jesus! 

Lamb  of  God,  who  takest  away  the  sins  of  the 
world!  have  mercy  on  us,  O  Jesus! 

V.  O  most  sacred  Heart  of  Jesus!  have  mercy  on 
us. 

R.  That  we  may  worthily  love  thee  with  our  whole 
hearts. 

Let  2is  pray. 

O  God!  who  out  of  thy  immense  love,  has  given 
to  the  faithful  the  most  sacred  Heart  of  thy  dear  Sou, 
our  Lord,  as  the  object  of  their  tender  affections, 
grant,  we  beseech  thee,  that  we  may  so  love  and  hon- 
our this  pledge  of  thy  love  on  earth,  that  by  it  we 
may  merit  to  love  both  thee  and  thy  gift,  and  be  eter- 
nally loved  by  thee,  and  this  most  blessed  Heart  in 
heaven,  through  the  same  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  thy 
Son,  who  liveth  and  reigucth  with  thee  in  the  Unity 
of  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world  without  end.  Amen. 

O  sacred  Heart  of  Jesus,  overflowing"  with  all 
sweetness!  to  thee  we  recommend  ourselves  and  all 
our  concerns,  parents  and  relations,  our  superiors, 


SACRED  HEART  OF  JESUS.     211 

benefactors,  friends  and  enemies.  Take  under  thy 
protection  this  house,  congregation,  and  state.  Ex- 
tend thy  care  to  all  such  as  lie  under  any  affliction, 
and  to  those  who  labour  in  the  agony  and  pangs  of 
death.  Cast  an  eye  of  compassion  on  the  obstinate 
sinner,  but  particularly  on  the  poor  souls  in  purgato- 
ry, and  also  on  those  who  are  engaged  and  linked 
with  us  in  the  holy  confederacy  of  honouring  and 
worshipping  thee.  Bless  these  in  particular,  O  boun- 
tiful Heart!  and  bless  them  according  to  the  extent 
of  thy  goodness,  mercy  and  chanty.    Amen. 

A  devout  aspiration  to  the  sacred  Heart. 

Most  amiable  Heart  of  Jesus!  beloved  object  of 
aur  most  tender  affections!  may  all  honour,  glory, 
Jove,  and  benediction,  be  ever  given  to  thee.  Be 
thou  our  comfort  in  adversity,  our  guide  in  prosperity, 
our  safety  in  dangers,  and  protection  against  all  our 
enemies,  visible  and  invisible.     Amen. 

A  prayer  to  Jesus  suffering. 

Eonn  Jesus!  by  that  bitterness  thou  sufferedst  for 
me  on  the  Cross;  chiefly  when  thy  blessed  soul  de- 
parted from  thy  body,  have  mercy  on  my  soul  now, 
and  at  its  departure  from  this  world,  that  it  may  be 
admitted  to  life  everlasting.     Amen. 

A  prayer  in  honour  of  the  Jive  Wounds. 

O  LonD,  Jesus  Christ!  by  the  five  wounds  thou 
wast  pleased  to  receive  upon  the  Cross  for  love  of  me, 
help  me,  thy  servant,  whom  thou  hast  redeemed  with 
thy  precious  blood.    Amen. 


212  DEVOTIONS  TO  THE 

THE  BEADS  OF    THE   SACRED  HEART. 

On  the  Cross. 

O  Jesus!  give  us  thy  Heart  as  a  pledge  of  thy 
love,  and  as  a  place  of  refuge,  that  we  may  find  there- 
in a  secure  repose  during  our  life,  and  a  sweet  com 
fort  at  the  hour  of  our  death.     Amen. 

On  the  larger  beads. 
Thee  I  adore,  praise  and  love,  O  sacred  Heart  of 
my  deal-  Jesus!  penetrated  with  grief  at  the  thought 
of  so  many  offences,  which  have  been  hitherto  com- 
mitted against  thee,  in  the  most  holy  Sacrament  of 
the  altar,  I  offer  up  to  thee  the  most  amiable  Heart 
of  thy  beloved  Mother,  with  the  merits  of  the  saints, 
:n  satisfaction  thereof.     Amen. 

On  the  smaller  beads. 

O  sacred  Heart  of  Jesus,  burning  with  love  for  us! 
inflame  our  hearts  with  the  love  of  thee. 

A  PRATER  TO  THE  SACRED   HEART  OF  MART. 

O  sacred  heart  of  Mary,  ever  Virgin  and  immacu- 
late in  her  conception!  O  heart,  the  most  holy,  and 
the  most  noble,  that  ever  was  formed  by  the  hand  of 
God,  in  a  pure  creature!  O  heart,  full  of  grace,  good- 
ness, mercy  and  love;  model  of  all  virtues,  perfect 
image  of  the  adorable  heart  of  Jesus!  O  heart,  who 
always  didst  burn  with  the  fire  of  the  most  ardent 
charity,  who  hast  loved  God  more  thyself  alone,  than 
all  the  seraphim  and  cherubim,  than  all  the  angels 
and  saints  together!  O  heart  of  the  mother  of  our 
Redeemer,  who  hast  had  so  lively  a  sense  of  our 


SACKED  HEART  OF  MARY.  213 

miseries,  and  host  borne  so  gi-eat  a  part  in  the  suffer- 
ing's of  Jesus  Christ  for  our  salvation;  who  hast  loved 
us  with  so  great  a  tenderness,  and  who  deservest  un- 
der so  many  titles,  the  respect,  gratitude,  confidence 
and  love  of  all  men!  vouchsafe  to  accept  the  small 
tribute  of  my  humble  homage. 

Prostrate  before  thee,  O  most  pure  heart  of  the 
mother  of  Mercy!  I  wish  to  render  thee  all  the  ho- 
nour wliich  is  justly  due  to  the  heart  of  the  mother 
of  my  God.  I  give  thee  thanks  for  the  sentiments  of 
mercy  and  love,  which  have  moved,  and  still  now 
move  thee,  at  the  sight  of  my  miseries.  I  give  thee 
thanks  for  all  the  favours,  I  have  received  from  thy 
maternal  goodness.  I  unite  myself  to  all  the  pure 
souls,  who  find  their  delight  and  consolation  in  ho- 
nouring', praising,  and  loving  thee.  The  happiness 
of  Christians  is  to  possess  Jesus  Christ;  but  it  is 
through  thee,  O  most  blessed  Virgin!  he  has  been 
bestowed  on  mankind.  Through  Jesus  Christ  we  g-o  to 
the  Father,  through  thee,  may  we  go  to  Jesus  Christ. 

Thou  shalt  be  therefore,  O  most  amiable  heart  of 
Mary!  after  the  heart  of  Jesus,  the  object  of  my  ven- 
eration, of  my  love,  and  of  my  most  tender  devotion. 
Thou  shalt  be  the  way,  through  which  I  will  go  to 
Jesus;  and  through  thee  his  graces,  and  mercies  shall 
come  upon  me.  Thou  shalt  be  my  refuge  in  my 
dangers,  my  comfort  in  my  afflictions,  my  succour  in 
ill  my  wants.  I  shall  learn  of  thee,  purity,  humility, 
meekness,  and  above  all  the  love  of  the  sacred  heart 
of  Jesus.  I  shall  ask  of  him  these  virtues  through 
thy  merits,  and  I  hope  through  thy  powerful  inter- 
cession to  obtain  them,  tog-ether  with  the  pardon  of 
my  sins,  and  final  perseveran  :e.     Amen. 


INSTRUCTIONS  ON  THE  ROSARY.* 

The  Rosary  is  a  religious  form  of  prayer,  addressed 
to  Almighty  God,  the  supreme  object  of  all  religious 
worship,  in  commemoration  of  the  principal  myste- 
ries  of  our  redemption,  in  thanksgiving  and  praise  to 
Jesus  Christ  for  all  he  did,  and  suffered  in  them  for 
us,  and  in  honour  of  his  ever  blessed  virgin  mother, 
considering  the  share  she  had  in  them.  It  is  offered 
up  to  God  in  a  particular  manner,  under  her  patron- 
age, and  through  her  intercession. 

On  this  pious  exercise,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Alban  Rutler 
in  his  Lives  of  the  Saints,  October  first,  writes  as  fol- 
lows: "It  is  an  abridgement  of  the  gospel,  a  history 
of  the  life,  sufferings,  and  triumphant  victory  of  Jesus 
Christ,  and  an  exposition  of  what  he  did  in  the  flesh, 
which  he  assumed  for  our  salvation.  It  ought  cer- 
tainly to  be  the  principal  object  of  the  devotion  of 
every  christian,  always  to  bear  in  mind  these  holy 
mysteries,  to  return  to  God  a  perpetual  homage  of 
love,  praise,  and  thanksgiving  for  them,  to  implore  his 
mercy  through  them,  to  make  them  the  subject  of  his 
assiduous  meditation,  and  to  mould  his  affections,  re- 
gulate his  life,  and  form  his  spirit,  by  the  holy  impres- 
sions which  they  make  on  his  soul.  The  Rosary  is  a 
method  of  doing  this,  most  easy  in  itself,  and  adapted 
to  the  slowest  and  meanest  capacity;  and  at  the  same 
time,  most  sublime  and  faithful  in  the  exercise  of  the 
highest  acts  of  prayer,  contemplation,  and  all  interior 
virtues." 

*  By  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  G.  Hay. 


INSTRUCTIONS  ON  THE  ROSARY.     215 

It  is  composed  of  three  parts,  the  most  sublime, 
and  excellent  that  can  be  conceived;  namely,  the 
Lord's  prayer,  the  Hail  Mary,  and  the  Doxology, 
which  is  an  act  of  supreme  adoration  of  the  ever  bless- 
ed Trinity.  The  Lord's  prayer,  taught  us  by  Jesus 
Christ  himself,  is  the  most  perfect  model  of  prayer. 
It  contains  in  itself  the  very  essence  of  all  good 
prayers,  and  all  other  prayers  are  but  expositions  of 
it;  for  as  St.  Augustin  justly  observes,  "If  you  run 
through  all  the  words  of  the  other  holy  prayers,  you 
will  find  nothing  but  what  is  comprised  in  it."  It 
contains  at  the  same  time,  acts  of  the  most  sublime 
virtues,  the  love  of  God,  adoration  and  praise,  con- 
formity to  his  holy  will,  confidence  in  his  fatherly 
goodness,  love  of  our  neighbour,  humility,  diffidence 
in  ourselves,  compunction  for  our  sins,  and  the  like; 
and  surely  no  prayer  can  be  more  pleasing  to  God, 
or  more  efficacious  to  obtain  from  him  whatever  we 
stand  in  need  of,  either  for  soul  or  body,  than  that 
which  was  composed  by  Jesus  Clirist  himself,  and  put 
into  our  hearts  and  mouths  by  him,  in  whom  the  Fa- 
ther is  well  pleased.  What  other  words  can  be  so 
pleasing  to  our  heavenly  Father,  as  the  words  of  his 
beloved  Son,  in  whom  alone,  he  has  decreed,  that  we 
can  be  acceptable  to  him?  It  is  then,  more  especially 
agreeable  to  God,  and  beneficial  to  us,  when  offered 
up  in  this  holy  exercise  of  the  Rosary,  on  purpose 
;o  honour  and  adore  our  Redeemer  in  all  he  did 
and  suffered  for  our  redemption,  and  to  implore  his 
mercy,  and  grace,  through  the  merits  of  these  holy 
mysteries.  The  divine  origin  and  excellence  of  the 
Hail  Mary,  is  unquestionable;  it  was  composed  in 
heaven,  dictated  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  delivered  to 


216     INSTRUCTIONS  ON  THE  ROSARY* 

the  faithful  by  the  angel  Gabriel,  St.  Elizabeth,  and 
the  Church  of  Christ.  It  contains  an  act  of  adora- 
tion and  thanksgiving-  for  the  great  mystery  of  the 
incarnation,  and  in  it,  of  the  whole  work  of  our  re- 
demption, the  praises  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  also  of  his 
virgin  mother,  and  ends  with  an  humble  address  to 
her,  beg-ging-  the  help  of  her  powerful  prayers.  The 
Doxology,  or  third  prayer  used  in  the  Rosary,  is  an 
act  of  supreme  adoration  of  the  ever  blessed  Trinity, 
by  which  we  offer  up  to  God  all  that  praise,  and 
giory,  which  was  given  him  at  the  beginning-  of  the 
creation,  has  been  continually  given  him  from  that 
time,  and  will  be  given  him  for  endless  eternities.  It 
is  thus  expressed,  "  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and  to 
the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost.  As  it  was  in  the 
beginning-,  is  now,  and  ever  shall  be,  world  without 
end.  Amen."  From  the  sanctity  of  these  prayers, 
of  which  this  holy  exercise  is  composed,  the  excel- 
lency of  the  exercise  itself  appeal's. 

The  principal  mysteries  of  our  redemption,  which 
are  celebrated  in  this  exercise,  are  fifteen  in  number, 
and  the  prayers  are  divided  into  fifteen  decades,  or 
tens,  corresponding-  one  to  each  mystery.  Each  de- 
cade consists  in  reciting"  the  Lord's  prayer  once,  then 
the  Hail  Mary  ten  times,  from  which  it  is  called  a  de- 
cade, or  a  ten,  and  ends,  after  these  ten  Hail  Marys, 
with  the  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  &c.  This  is  the 
vocal  part  of  the  Rosary,  and  is  the  same  throug-hout 
the  whole  in  every  decade.  Whilst  the  tongue  is 
employed  in  reciting"  these  holy  vocal  prayers,  the 
mind  has  her  proper  employment  within.  For  first, 
she  addresses  the  Lord's  prayer  to  God  the  Father, 
with  all  possible  attention  and  devotion;  then  during 


INSTRUCTIONS  ON  THE  ROSARY.      21 

the  ten  Hail  Marys,  she  contemplates,  with  suitable 
affections,  that  mystery  of  our  redemption  which  cor- 
responds to  each  decade;  and  lastly,  she  closes  the 
decade  with  the  most  profound  sentiments  of  homage 
and  adoration,  while  reciting1  the  doxology. 

"While  we  are  reciting  the  Hail  Marys,  we  must  en- 
deavour to  represent  to  our  imagination,  the  sub- 
stance and  most  striking  circumstances  of  the  corres- 
ponding mystery,  in  the  most  lively  manner  we  can, 
as  though  we  had  been  present  at  it,  or  saw  it  trans- 
acted before  our  eyes.  By  this  means,  we  both  re- 
strain the  wanderings  of  our  imagination,  and  the 
more  effectually  excite  various  holy  affections  in  our 
hearts,  suitable  to  the  object  of  each  mystery.  For 
example,  in  reciting  the  first  decade  of  the  joyful 
mysteries,  imagine  yourself  present  with  the  blessed 
virgin,  when  the  angel  Gabriel  appeared,  and  de- 
clared to  her  the  great  mystery  of  the  incarnation, 
and  endeavour  to  keep  your  mind  attentive  to  what 
passed  on  that  occasion,  while  you  are  reciting  that 
decade,  exercising  in  your  heart  such  affections  of 
love,  adoration,  thanksgiving,  praise,  or  the  like,  as 
will  naturally  arise  from  a  lively  application  of  the 
mind  to  the  love,  which  Jesus  Christ  shows  to  you  in 
that  mystery.  So  also  in  reciting  the  decade  of  the 
crucifixion  and  death  of  our  Saviour,  imagine  your- 
self as  St.  Francis  of  Sales  advises,  to  be  upon  Mount 
Calvary,  and  that  you  there  see  and  hear  all  that  was 
done;  or,  if  you  will,  imagine  with  yourself,  that  in 
the  very  place  where  you  are,  they  are  crucifying 
your  Saviour,  in  such  :i  manner  as  the  holy  evangel- 
ists describe.  Introd.  p.  ii.  chap.  4.  Contemplate  the 
blessed  virgin  at  the  foot  of  the  Cross,  all  bathed  in 
19 


218  THE  KosAitY  OF 

tears,  address  the  Hail  Man's,  to  her  standing"  there 
in  an  agony  of  sorrow,  and  exercise  in  your  heart, 
such  affections,  as  the  sight  of  suffering's  so  great  na- 
turally inspires.  The  same  is  to  be  said  of  all  the 
other  mysteries. 


THE  ROSARY  OF  THE  BLESSED  VIRGIN. 

In  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the 
Holy  Ghost.  Amen. 

Vers.  Hail  Mary,  full  of  Grace!  the  Lord  is  with 
thee. 

Resp.  Blessed  art  thou  amongst  women,  and  blessed 
is  the  Fruit  of  thy  womb,  Jesus. 

Vers.  Thou,  O  Lord!   wilt  open  my  lips. 

Resp-  And  my  tongue  shall  announce  thy  praise. 

Vers.   Incline  unto  my  aid,  O  God! 

Resp.   O  Lord!   make  haste  to  help  me. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the 
Holy  Ghost. 

As  it  was  in  the  beginning,  is  now,  and  ever  shall 
be.  Amen.  Alleluia. 

[From  Septuagesima  to  Easter,  instead  of  Glory  be 
to  the  Father,  &c.  say:  Praise  be  to  thee,  O  Lord, 
King  of  eternal  Glory !  ] 

THE  FIRST  PAIIT THE  FIVE  JOYFUL  >1YSTEIIIES.* 

The  first  mystery — The  annunciation. 
Fruit  of  this  mystery — Chastity. 
Let  us  in  this  mystery,  contemplate  the  angel  Ga 
briel   saluting  our  blessed  Lady,  with  the  title  of 

*  The  mysteries  of  the  first  part,  are  recited  on  Mondays  and 
Thursdays,  throughout  the  year,  the  Sundays  of  Advent,  and  those 
after  Epiphany,  until  Lent 


THE  BLESSED  VIRGIN.  219 

"  full  of  grace,"  and  announcing"  to  her  the  miracu- 
lous incarnation  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ 
[Our  Father,  &c.  once — Hail  Mary,  &c.  ten  times. 
The  decade  is  terminated  by,  Glory  be  to  the  Father, 
&c,  after  which  recite  the  prayer.  This  method 
must  be  observed  in  each  part  of  the  Rosary.] 

Let  us  pray. 
O  Jesus,  lover  of  Chastity!  I  adore  thee  in  the  vir- 
ginal womb  of  Mary,  and  1  give  thee  thanks  for  that 
infinite  charity,  which  has  moved  thee  to  make  thy- 
self man  for  my  salvation-  O  virgin,  more  pure  than 
the  angels!  grant  us  thy  protection,  defend  us  against 
the  fiery  darts  of  our  enemy,  and  preserve  our  hearts 
and  our  bodies  in  a  stale  of  constant  and  entire  pu- 
rity. Amen. 

The  second  mystery — The  visitation. 

Fruit  of  this  mystery — the  love  of  our  neighbour. 

Let  us  contemplate  in  this  mystery,  how  the  blessed 
virgin  Mary,  understanding-  from  the  angel,  that  her 
cousin  St.  Elizabeth  had  conceived,  weni  with  haste 
to  the  mountains  to  visit  her.  Her  presence  diffuses 
the  graces  with  which  she  is  replenished,  and  St. 
John  the  Baptist  is  sanctified  in  the  womb  of  hia 
mother. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

Let  us  pray. 
O  charitable  Saviour!  Scarcely  art  thou  conceived, 
md  thy  most  pressing  occupation,  is  to  procure  the 
fcanctification   of  souls!     Sanctify  ours,    O  kind  Re- 
deemer! anf?  till  them  with  thy  blessings. — Holy  vh> 


220  THE  ROSARY  OF 

gin!  mother  of  grace  and  mercy!  favour  us  tog-ether 
with  thy  Son,  with  thy  charitable  visits.  Obtain  for 
us,  a  sincere  love  for  our  neighbour,  and  the  gTace 
always  to  regulate  our  intercourse  with  the  world,  ac- 
cording" to  the  rules  of  christian  charity.  Amen. 

The  third  mystery — The  birth  of  Jesus. 

Fruit  of  this  mystery — love  of  Poverty. 

Let  us  contemplate  the  only  Son  of  God,  reduced  to 
the  state  of  an  infant,  suffering'  all  the  inconveniences 
of  extreme  poverty.  He  lies  on  straw,  in  a  stable, 
between  two  beasts:  his  body  is  chilled  with  cold, 
whilst  his  heart  burns  with  love  for  men. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

Let  as  pray. 

O  sweet  Jesus!  what  heart  can  be  so  hardened,  as 
to  refuse  to  love  thee  in  this  suffering  and  endearing 
state? — O  glorious  virgin!  who,  with  St.  Joseph,  par- 
takest  of  the  poverty  of  thy  son,  I  unite  myself  to 
thee,  to  adore  and  love  this  divine  Saviour,  and  to 
imitate  his  contempt  for  the  goods,  the  honours,  and 
the  pleasures  of  this  world.  Amen. 

The  fourth  mystery — The  presentation  of  Jesus. 

Fruit  of  this  mystery — Obedience. 

Let  us  contemplate,  in  this  mystery,  the  blessed 
virgin  Mary  going  to  the  temple  in  Jerusalem,  in 
obedience  to  the  law  of  purification,  although  she 
was  not  bound  by  it,  having  always  remained  a  p-»re 
virgin.  There  she  presents  her  divine  Son  to  '"s 
eternal  Father,  through  the  hands  of  nolv  Simeon. 


THE  BLESSED  VIRGIN.  221 

«\n^  redeems,  him,  as  if  he  was  a  sinner,  by  an  offering 
of  iv.  o  tur  Je  doves. 
Our  Father,  Sec. 

Let  m  pray. 

O  bountiful  Redeemer  of  men !  who  wouldst  suffer 
thyself  to  be  offered  as  an  oblation,  and  redeemed, 
in  compliance  with  a  law,  which  was  made  only  for 
sinners,  I  adore  thee  in  Uns  act  of  humble  obedience. 
O  most  humble  virgin !  who,  submitting  to  the  law  of 
purification,  didst  imitate  cue  obedience  of  thy  Son, 
obtain  for  us  the  grace  to  imitate  you  both,  by  re- 
nouncing our  pride,  and  our  attachment  to  our  own 
will,  and  by  faithfully  conforming  ourselves  to  the 
orders,  and  even  to  the  desires  of  our  superiors. 
Amen. 

The  fifth  mystery — The  finding  of  Jesus 
Fruit  of  this  mystery — Fervour. 

Let  us  contemplate  the  blessed  Virgin  and  St.  Jo- 
seph with  tender  solicitude,  seeking  the  child  Jesus, 
whom  they  had  lost  in  Jerusalem,  whither  they  had 
cond  -eted  him  to  celebrate  the  festival  of  the  Pass- 
over. After  an  anxious  and  diligent  search  of  three 
days,  they  found  him  in  the  temple-,  disputing  on  the 
Scriptures  with  the  doctors  of  the  law. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

Let  us  pray. 

O  t>ivixe  Saviour!    I  adore  thee  in  this  trial,  to 

which  thou  wouldst  submit  thy  holy  mother  and  St. 

Joseph,  and  1  conjure  thee,  never  to  abai  don  me — O 

glorious  virgin!  who,  without  any  fault  ot  June,  didst 

19' 


222  THE  ROSARY  OF 

lose  thy  beloved  Son,  obtain  for  us  the  grace  to  serve 
tiim  with  fervour,  and  to  shun  the  smallest  sin,  that 
we  may  never  lose  him.  Should  this  misfortune  ever 
oefal  us,  O !  obtain  for  us  the  grace,  soon  to  seek  him, 
ind  to  find  him,  by  our  tears  and  a  prompt  repen- 
tance. 

[An  address  to  the  blessed  Virgin  by  which  each 
part  must  be  terminated.] 

The  Salve  JRegina. 

Hail!  holy  Queen,  mother  of  mercy,  our  life,  our 
sweetness,  and  our  hope!  to  thee  we  cry,  poor  ban- 
ished sons  of  Eve,  to  thee  we  send  up  our  sighs, 
mourning  and  weeping  in  this  valley  of  tears.  Turn, 
then,  most  gracious  advocate!  thy  eyes  of  mercy  to- 
wards us,  and  after  this  our  exile  is  ended,  show  unto 
us  the  blessed  fruit  of  thy  womb,  Jesus:  O  clement! 
O  pious!  O  sweet  Virgin  Mary! 

Vers.  Pray  for  us,  holy  mother  of  God! 

JResp.  That  we  may  be  made  worthy  of  the  pro- 
mises of  Christ. 

Let  us  pray. 
O  Gob !  whose  only  begotten  Son,  by  his  life,  death, 
and  resurrection,  has  purchased  for  us  the  rewards 
of  eternal  life:  grant,  we  beseech  thee,  that  medi- 
tating upon  those  mysteries,  in  the  most  holy  Rosary 
of  the  most  blessed  Virgin  Mary,  we  may  imitate 
what  they  contain,  and  obtain  what  they  promise; 
through  the  same  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


THE  BLESSED   VIRGIN.  223 

THE  SECOND  PART THE  FIVE  DOLOROUS  MYSTERIES.* 

The  first  mystery — The  sufferings  of  Jesus  in  the 
garden. 

Fruit  of  this  mystery — Contrition. 

Let  us  contemplate  Jesus  Christ  in  the  g-arden  of 
Gethsemani,  prostrate  upon  the  ground  in  prayer, 
reduced  to  a  cruel  agony,  with  the  blood  trickling 
from  every  pore.  It  was  principally  the  sight  of  the 
gTeatness,  and  of  the  malice  of  our  sins,  winch  brought 
him  to  this  state  of  bitter  suffering-. 

Our  Father,  &c 

Let  us  pray. 

O  sweet  Jesus!  what  lessons  dost  thou  not  com- 
municate to  me  in  this  mystery?  Thou  teachest  me 
resignation:  thou  teachest  me  to  have  recourse  to 
prayer  in  my  afflictions:  but  give  me,  above  all,  1  be- 
seech thee,  a  share  in  that  hatred  and  horror,  which 
thou  hadst  for  sin — O  most  holy  Virgin !  by  that  de- 
solation in  which  thou  wast,  when  beholding  the  cruel 
agony  of  thy  beloved  Son,  obtain  for  me  a  true  con- 
trition for  my  sins.     Amen. 

The  second  mystery — The  scourging  at  the  pillar. 

Fruit  of  this  mystery — Penance. 

Let  us  contemplate  Jesus  Christ  exposed  naked  to 
the  eyes  of  the  multitude,  bound  to  a  pillar,  and  so 
unmercifully  scourged,  that  his  holy  body  from  head 
to  foot,   was  torn  with   stripes,  and   covered    with 

*  The  mysteries  of  the  second  part  are  recited  on  Tuesdays  aud 
Fridays  throughout  the  year,  and  on  Sundays  in  Lent. 


224  THE  ROSARY  OF 

wounds,  whilst  this  mild  lamb,  uttered  not  a  word  ot 
complaint. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

Let  us  pray. 

O  Jesus!  my  sins  were  the  cause  of  these  tortures: 
my  sins  armed  the  hands  of  these  inhuman  execution- 
ers. I  adore  thee  in  this  suffering"  state,  and  give  thee 
thanks  for  the  penance  thou  hast  undergone  for  me. 
O  glorious  Virgin!  who  sufferedst  in  thy  heart,  from 
every  blow,  which  lacerated  the  body  of  thy  son,  ob- 
tain for  us  the  grace,  seriously  to  do  penance  for  our 
sans,  particularly  by  debarring  ourselves  from  plea- 
sures, and  by  submitting  to  the  will  of  God  in  our  af- 
flictions. 

The  third  mystery — The  crowning  with  thorns. 
Fruit  of  this  mystery — Humility. 

After  this  cruel  flagellation,  the  King  of  glory  is 
treated  like  a  mock  king.  The  merciless  soldiers 
throw  over  his  shoulders  an  old  purple  cloak:  they 
put  a  reed  in  his  hand  in  place  of  a  sceptre,  and  press 
on  his  head  a  crown  of  thorns.  Then  kneeling  be- 
fore him,  as  if  to  adore  him,  they  spit  upon  his  face, 
and  load  him  with  blows. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

Let  us  pray. 
O  Jesus!  covered  with  ignominy!  who  didst  not  turn 
away  thy  face  from  the  scoffs  and  buffets  with  which 
it  was  so  shamefully  assailed,  where  will  I  find  a  place 
low  enough  for  me,  when  I  consider  the  humiliations, 
which  thou  hast  undergone' — O  holy  Virgin!  vvhopar- 
tookest  of  all  the  ignominies  of  thy  beloved  son,  obtain 


THE  BLESSED  VIRGIN.  225 

for  us  the  grace  to  partake  of  that  resignation  and 
humility,  with  which  he  bore  so  unworthy  a  treat- 
ment. 

The  fourth  mystery — The  carrying*  of  the  Cross, 
Fruit  of  this  mystery — Patience. 

Let  us  contemplate  our  divine  Saviour,  who,  though 
debilitated  by  the  loss  of  blood,  and  by  the  torments 
he  had  just  endured,  is  loaded  with  the  heavy  weight 
of  the  cross.  He  stumbles  at  every  step,  and  his  bar- 
barous executioners  overwhelm  him  with  injuries  and 
blows,  to  force  him  to  proceed.  At  length  they  are 
oompelled  to  give  him  help,  to  enable  him  to  carry 
his  cross  as  far  as  Calvary. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

Let  us  pray. 

O  Jesus!  who  having1  invited  thy  disciples  to  carry 
their  crosses  after  thee,  generously  walkest  at  their 
head,  grant  us  the  grace  to  carry  our  crosses  with 
patience  and  resignation,  and  with  charity  for  those 
who  are  the  cause  of  our  sufferings — O  Virgin  most 
patient!  who,  notwithstanding  the  excess  of  thy  af- 
fliction, didst  courageously  follow  thy  son,  grant  us 
thy  protection  and  thy  assistance,  that  we  may  bear 
with  christian  fortitude,  the  afflictions  and  miseries  of 
this  life. 

The  fifth  mystery — The  crucifixion. 
Fruit  of  this  mystery — Perseverance. 

At  length  after  so  many  torments,  the  cruel  execu- 
tioners pierce  the  hands  and  the  feet  of  Jesus,  and 
having  nailed  him  to  the  cross,  raise  him  up  between 
two  thieves.     They  torture  his  taste  with  vinegar  and 


T2b  THE  ROSARY  OF 

gull;  for  the  space  of  three  hours,  they  load  him  with 
outrages  and  derisions.  In  that  state  he  expires  after 
having*  consummated  the  great  work  of  our  redemp 
bon. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

Let  us  pray. 

0  Jesus!  by  thy  cruel  death  on  an  ignominious 
cross,  we  pray  thee,  suffer  us  not  to  be  ever  separat- 
ed from  thee.  Give  us  the  grace  to  persevere  till 
death  in  serving"  thee,  and  in  sanctifying-  ourselves. 
Queen  of  martyrs!  thou  remainest  steadfast  at  the  foot 
of  the  cross,  though  thy  soul  is  pierced  with  a  sword 
of  grief:  receive  us  into  thy  company  tog-ether  with 
St.  John  and  the  holy  women.  Obtain  for  us,  that 
most  important  of  graces,  final  perseverance,  and 
assist  at  our  death,  as  thou  didst  at  that  of  thy  divine 
son.     Amen. 

[Hail,  holy  Queen,  &c.  with  the  verse  and  prayer, 
as  marked  above.] 

THE  THIRD   PART THE  FIVE  GLORIOUS  MYSTERIES.* 

The  first  mystery — The  resurrection. 
Fruit  of  this  mystery — A  spiritual  life. 
Let  us  contemplate  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  glorious- 
ly proceeding-  from  the  tomb  victorious  over  death 
and  over  hell,  his  body  all  resplendent,  subject  no 
more  to  suffering's  or  to  death. 
Our  Father,  &c. 

Let  us  pray. 

1  adore  thee,  O  Jesus!  proceeding-  from  the  tomb 
to  enlighten  and  to  fortify  the  sons  of  men,  by  thy  re- 

"*  The  mysteries  cf  the  third  part  are  recited  on  Wednesdays  and 
8?.turda)8  throughout  the  year,  and  on  Sunday*  from  Ea&ter  ull  Al 
feut. 


THE  BLESSED  VIRGIN.  227 

surrection. — O  glorious  Virgin!  I  unite  myself  to  thee, 
in  that  ineffable  joy,  which  thou  didst  experience, 
on  beholding  thy  beloved  son  risen  and  glorious.  Ob- 
tain for  me  the  grace  to  rise  with  him,  and  to  lead,  on 
earth,  a  new  and  spiritual  life,  and  in  heaven,  to  share 
in  the  glory  of  his  resurrection.     Amen. 

The  second  mystery — The  ascension. 
Fruit  of  this  mystery — The  desire  of  Heaven. 

Let  us  contemplate  Jesus  Christ,  forty  days  after 
his  resurrection,  triumphantly  ascending  to  heaven  by 
his  own  power,  attended  by  angels  and  saints,  in  the 
sight  of  his  holy  mother,  and  of  his  disciples,  whom 
he  had  assembled  on  the  mountain  of  Olives. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

Let  us  pray. 

Adorable  Saviour!  wean  our  hearts,  we  pray  thee, 
from  the  earth.  Free  them  from  all  attachment  to 
its  goods,  its  honours  or  its  pleasures.  Raise  them  to 
heaven  with  thee,  since  heaven  is  the  abode,  for 
which  they  were  created.  O  Glorious  Virgin!  thou 
wast  left  by  tby  son  for  a  time  upon  earth,  to  comfort 
and  fortify  his  infant  church:  protect  us  we  beseech 
thee  in  this  land  of  exile,  and  make  us  sigh  continu- 
ally after  our  happy  country.     Amen. 

The  third  mystery — the  coming  of  the  Holy  Ghost 

Fruit  of  this  mystery — Love  of  retirement. 

Let  us  contemplate  the  blessed  Virgin  and  the  dis- 
ciples assembling  in  a  retired  place,  after  the  ascen- 
sion of  Jesus  Christ,  to  prepare  themselves  by  prayer 


228  THE  ROSARY  OF 

for  the  reception  of  the  Holy  Ghostj  whom  Jesus 
Christ  had  promised  to  send  them.  This  consoling- 
promise  was  fulfilled  on  the  feast  of  Pentecost,  when 
the  Holy  Ghost  descended  upon  them,  in  the  shape  of 
fiery  tongues. 
Our  Father,  Sic. 

Let  us  pray. 

O  Jesus!  drive  from  our  hearts  the  spirit  of  the 
world,  and  send  us  thy  divine  spirit,  that  he  may  sanc- 
tify us  by  his  precious  gifts,  dissipate  the  darkness 
which  surrounds  us,  and  inflame  our  hearts  with  love 
for  thee.  O  Glorious  Virgin,  spouse  of  the  Holy 
Ghost!  grant,  that  following  thy  example,  we  may  in- 
vite him  to  our  hearts  by  retirement  and  prayer. 
Amen. 

T/ie  fourth  mystery — The  assumption  of  the  B.  Virgin. 
Fruit  of  this  mystery — Union  with  God. 

Let  us  contemplate  the  blessed  Virgin  languishing 
upon  earth  after  the  departure  of  her  divine  son.  Her 
heart  incessantly  sighed  for  him,  and  wished  to  be 
united  to  him.  Indeed  she  died  of  love  for  him,  with- 
out pain  and  without  violence,  and  soon  after,  her  di- 
vine son  raised  her  to  life,  and  triumphantly  convey- 
ed her,  body  and  soul,  into  heaven. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

Let  us  pray. 
O  Jesus!  how  sweet  it  is  to  love  thee,  and  to  live 
only  for  thee!  But  how  great  will  be  the  happiness  of 
being  united  with  thee  for  all  eternity,  without  the 
fear  of  being  ever  separated  from  thee.  O!  grant  us 
tins  precious  grace. — Glorious  Virgin !  by  that  ineffable 


THE  BLESSED  VIRGIN.  229 

love  thou  hadst  for  thy  divine  son  on  earth,  and  with 
which  thy  heart  is  now  inflamed  in  heaven,  obtain  for 
us  we  beseech  thee  a  share  in  thy  love  for  God,  and  in 
thy  union  with  him.     Amen. 

Tlie  fifth  mystery— -The  coronation  of  the  B.  Virgin. 

Fruit  of  tiiis  mystery — Devotion  to  the  B.  Virgin. 

Let  us  with  exultation,  contemplate  the  Blessed 
Virgin  Mary,  sitting-  in  glory,  at  the  right  hand  of  her 
beloved  son.  She  is  crowned  by  the  heavenly  Father 
queen  of  heaven  and  earth,  and  appointed  by  Jesus 
Christ  the  dispenser  of  his  graces. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

Let  us  pray. 

O  Jesus!  in  union  with  the  angels  and  saints,  I  bless 
thee  for  the  glory  with  which  thou  hast  environed  thy 
holy  Mother,  and  I  give  thee  thanks,  from  the  bottom 
of  my  heart,  for  having  given  her  to  me,  for  my  queen, 
my  protectress,  and  my  mother.  O  Queen  of  angels 
and  of  men!  grant  thy  powerful  intercession  to  those 
who  are  united  to  honour  thee  in  the  confraternity  of 
the  holy  Rosary,  and  to  all  thy  other  servants.  I  con- 
secrate myself  entirely  to  thy  service.  Grant,  that  I 
may  honour  thee  by  a  true  devotion,  by  endeavouring 
to  imitate  thy  virtues,  and  by  exerting  myself  to  cause 
thee  to  be  honoured  thus  by  others.     Amen. 

[Hail  holy  Queen,  &c.  with  the  prayer  and  verse  as 
mentioned  before.] 


DEVOTIONS  FOR  EVERY  DAY  IN  THE  WEEK 

SUNDAY. TO  THE  MOST  HOLT  TRINITY. 

"There  are  three,  that  bear  testimony  in  heaven — the  Faincr,  the 
Word,  and  the  Holy  Ghost; — and  these  three  are  one."   1  John,  v.  7. 

A  prayer  to  the  most  Holy  Trinity. 
Glory  be  to  the  Father,  who,  by  his  power,  hath 
brought  me  forth  from  nothing",  and  created  me  to  his 
own  likeness.  Glory  be  to  the  Son,  who  by  his  wis- 
dom, hath  delivered  me  from  hell,  and  opened  hea- 
ven for  me.  Glory  be  to  the  Holy  Ghost,  who,  by  his 
mercy,  hath  sanctified  me  in  baptism,  and  still  con- 
tinues to  sanctify  me,  by  the  graces,  which  I  every 
day  receive  from  him.  Glory  to  the  three  adorable 
Persons  of  the  blessed  Trinity,  as  great  now,  and  for 
ever,  as  it  was  from  the  beg-inning-.  We  adore  thee 
O  holy  Trinity !  we  worship  thee :  we  most  humblv  give 
thee  thanks  for  having-  revealed  to  us  this  g-lorious, 
incomprehensible  mystery.  Grant,  that  by  continu- 
ing- to  profess  to  the  last  moment  of  our  lives  this 
holy  Faith,  we  may  behold  and  g-lorify  eternally  in 
heaven,  what  we  are  now  believing-  on  earth — One 
God  in  three  Persons,  the  Father,  the  Son,  and  Holy 
Ghost.  Amen. 

THE  LITANY  OF  THE   BLESSED  TRINITT. 

Lord!  have  mercy  on  us! 
Christ!  have  mer*y  on  us! 


EN  ERY  DAY  IN  THE  WEEK.  231 


Lord!  have  mercy  on  us! 

Christ!  hear  us;  Christ!  graciously  hear  us! 

God  the  Father  of  Heaven ! 

God  the  Son,  Redeemer  of  the  world! 

God  the  Holy  Ghost! 

Holy  Trinity,  one  God! 

O  sacred  Trinity,  undivided  Godhead  of  Fa- 
ther, Son,  and  Holy  Ghost! 

O  sacred  Trinity,  true  and  only  Deity! 

O  sacred  Trinity,  holy  and  perfect  unity! 

O  sacred  Trinity,  three  persons  and  one  God 
of  equal  glory,  and  eternal  majesty! 

O  sacred  Trinity,  from  whom,  by  whom,  and 
in  whom  are  all  thing's! 

O  sacred  Trinity,  the  essential  Being,  the  un- 
erring Truth,  and  the  true  Life ! 

O  sacred  Trinity,  our  first  principle,  and  our 
last  end! 

O  sacred  Trinity,  who  hast  created  man  to  thy 
image  and  likeness! 

O  God  the  Father,  eternal  fountain  of  all  being! 

O  God,  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ! 

O  God  the  Father,  of  whom  all  paternity  in 
heaven  and  earth  is  named! 

O  God  the  Father,  who  hast  chosen  us  in  thy 
Son  before  the  creation  of  the  world! 

O  God  the  Father,  who  didst  so  love  the  world 
as  to  give  thy  only  begotten  Son  to  redeem  it! 

O  God  the  Father,  who  seekest  such  as  adore 
thee  in  spirit  and  truth! 

O  God  the  Father,  who  hast  adopted  us  as  thy 
children  in  Jesus  Christ! 


232  DEVOTIONS  TOR 

O  God  the  Father,  who  hast  prepared  for  us  a"! 
glorious  inheritance,  if  we  love  thee  and  keep 
thy  commandments! 

O  God  the  Son,  born  of  the  Father  before  all 
ages! 

0  God  the  Son,  light  of  light,  true  God  of  true 
God! 

O  God  the  Son,  begotten,  not  made,  equal  and 
cousubstantial  to  the  Father! 

O  God  the  Son,  image  of  the  invisible  God, 
the  splendour  of  his  glory,  and  the  figure  of  his 
substance! 

O  God  the  Son,  the  eternal  word  of  the  Father! 

O  God  the  Son,  by  whom  all  things  were  made ! 

O  God  the  Son,  who  art  in  the  bosom  of  the 
Father! 

O  God  the  Son,  who,  to  save  us  sinners,  took- 
est  upon  thyself  the  frail  nature  of  man! 

O  God  the  Son,  who  hast  been  seen  upon 
earth,  and  hast  conversed  with  men! 

O  God  the  Son,  in  whom  it  hath  pleased  the 
Father,  that  all  fulness  should  dwell! 

O  God  the  Son,  of  whose  fulness  we  all  have 
received! 

O  God  the  Son,  who  for  our  redemption  be- 
camest  obedient  unto  death,  even  the  death  of 
the  cross! 

O  God  the  Son,  to  whom  all  power,  in  heaven 
and  earth  is  given  by  the  Father! 

O  God  the  Son,  who  at  the  last,  and  dreadful 
day  will  come  with  glory  to  judge  the  living  and 
the  dead! 


^ 


5 


EVERY  DAV  IN  THE  WEEK.  233 

O  God  the  Hoi)  Ghost,  proceeding-  from  the'1 
Father  and  the  Son! 

O  God  the  Holy  Ghost,  the  eternal  love  of  the 
Father  and  the  Son! 

O  God  the  Holy  Ghost,  by  whom  was  wrought 
the  glorious  mystery  of  our  Saviour's  incarnation! 

O  God  the  Holy  Ghost,  best  g-ift  of  the  Father 
and  the  Son! 

O  God  the  Holy  Ghost,  source  of  all  goodness, 
and  dispenser  of  all  graces! 

O  God  the  Holy  Ghost,  the  strengthener  and 
comforter  of  our  souls! 

O  God  the  Holy  Ghost,  by  whom  the  charity 
of  God  is  poured  into  our  hearts! 

O  God  the  Holy  Ghost  the  sanctifier,  and  per- 
fecter  of  our  souls! 

Spirit  of  wisdom  and  understanding! 

Spirit  of  counsel  and  fortitude! 

Spirit  of  knowledge  and  godliness! 

Spirit  of  the  fear  of  the  Lord! 

O  sacred  Trinity,  the  object  of  our  faith,  hope 
and  love  upon  earth! 

O  sacred  Trinity,  whom  we  see  now  through 
a  glass  in  an  obscure  manner! 

O  sacred  Trinity,  whom  we  shall  behold  face 
to  face  in  heaven! 

O  Lamb  of  God,  8cc. 

Lord!  have  mercy  on  us.     Christ!  have  mercy  on 
us.     Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 

V.  Let  us  bless  the  Father  and  the  Son  with  the 
Holy  Ghost. 

R.   Let  us  praise,  and  magnify  him  for  ever. 
20* 


234  DEVOTIONS  FOR 

Let  us  pray. 
Almighty  and  eternal  God!  by  whose  gift  thy  Ser- 
vants, in  the  confession  of  the  true  faith,  acknowledge 
the  glory  of  an  eternal  Trinity,  and  in  the  power  of 
Majesty  adore  a  Unity;  we  beseech  thee,  that  by  the 
firmness  of  the  same  faith  we  may  be  secured  from  all 
adversities;  through  our  Lord,  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

MONDAY. FOR    THE    FAITHFUL    DEPARTED. 

"  It  is  a  holy  and  wholesome  thought  to  pray  for  the  dead,  that  they 
may  be  loosed  from  their  sins."    2  Mach.  xii.  46. 

A  prayer  for  the  souls  suffering  in  purgatory, 
O  God  of  all  consolation!  sole  author  of  the  salva- 
tion of  souls!  Have  mercy  on  those  who  suffer  in  pur- 
gatory. Look  with  compassion  on  the  greatness  of 
their  torments;  they  are  more  keenly  devoured  by 
their  ardent  desire  of  being  united  to  thee,  than  by 
the  purging  flames  wherein  they  are  plunged.  With 
them,  I  adore  thy  avenging  justice,  and  confess  the 
equity  of  thy  judgments.  But  since  thou  art  pleased 
favourably  to  hear  the  prayers,  which  the  members  of 
thy  holy  Church  offer  to  thee,  in  behalf  of  their  bre- 
thren, graciously  hear  the  supplications,  which  I  now 
address  to  thee  for  those  suffering  souls.  Remember, 
O  Lord!  thou  art  their  Father,  and  they  arc  thy  chil- 
dren. Forget  the  faults  which  through  the  frailty  of 
human  nature,  they  have  committed  against  thee,  dur- 
ing the  course  of  their  mortal  pilgrimage.  Adorable 
Jesus!  victim  of  propitiation  both  for  the  living  and 
the  dead!  vouchsafe  in  thy  quality  of  Redeemer,  to 
apply  the  merits  of  thy  passion,  and  death,  to  the  re- 
lief of  those  souls,  whom  thou  punishest  as  their  so- 
vereign  judge.      Remember  thy    faithful    followers 


EVERY  DAY  IN  THE  WEEK.  235 

itjvl  thy  spouses.  Let  some  drops  of  that  precious 
blood,  which  thou  hast  shed  for  their  salvation,  flow 
on  those  devouring1  flames;  and  let  the  infinite  price 
of  that  sacred  blood  afford  a  full  satisfaction  for  their 
offences.  Deliver  them,  O  most  merciful  God!  from 
that  place  of  darkness  and  torture,  and  call  them  to  a 
place  of  refreshment,  light  and  peace. — Grant  them 
the  possession  of  the  sovereign  good,  after  which  they 
so  ardently  sigh,  and  for  which  thou  hast  created 
them.  Receive  them  into  thy  paternal  bosom,  where 
they  will  praise  and  love  thee,  to  all  eternity.    Amen. 

THE    LITAXT    FOR    THE    DEAD. 

Loud!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Christ!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Christ!  hear  us.     Christ!  graciously  hear  us. 

God  the  Father  of  heaven!  have  mercy  on  the  souls 
of  the  faithful  departed. 

God  the  Son,  the  Redeemer  of  the  world!  have 
mercy,  &c. 

God  the  Holy  Ghost!  have  mercy,  &c. 

Holy  Trinity,  one  God!  have  mercy,  &c. 

Holy  Mary!  "I   3^ 

Holy  mother  of  God! 

Holy  virgin  of  virgins! 

Saint  Michael! 

All  ye  holy  angels,  and  archangels! 

St.  John  the  Baptist! 

St.  Joseph! 

All  ye  holy  patriarchs  and  prophets!  J   5\o 


V2 


236  DEVOTIONS  FOR 

St.  Peter! 
St.  Paul! 
St.  John! 

All  ye  holy  apostles,  and  evangelists! 
St.  Stephen! 
St.  Laurence! 

All  ye  holy  martyrs!  v. 

St.  Gregory! 
St.  Ambrose! 

All  ye  holy  bishops  and  confessors! 
St.  Mary  Magdalen! 
St.  Catharine! 
All  ye  holy  virgins  and  widows!  J 

All  ye   saints  of  God!  make   intercession  for  the 
souls  of  the  Faithful  departed. 
Be  merciful;  spare  them,  O  Lord! 
Be  merciful;  hear  them,  O  Lord! 
From  all  evil, 
From  thy  wrath, 
From  the  flame  of  fire, 


Through  thy  immaculate  conception, 
Through  thy  nativity, 
Through  thy  most  holy  name, 
Through  the  multitude  of  thy  tender  mercies, 
Through  thy  most  bitter  passion, 
Through  thy  most  sacred  wounds, 
Through  thy  most  precious  blood, 
Through    thy  ignominious   death,    by   which 
thou  hast  destroyed  our  death,  j 

We  sinners  do  beseech,  thee  to  hear  us. 


> 

>*§* 


EVERY  DAY  IN  THE  WEEK. 

O  Thou!  who  didst  absolve  the  sinner  woman," 
and  didst  hear  the  prayer  of  the  good  thief, 

That  thou  vouchsafe  to  release  our  deceased 
parents,  relations,  and  benefactors  from  the 
bonds  of  their  sins,  and  from  the  punishment 
thereof, 

That  thou  vouchsafe  to  hasten  the  day  of  visit- 
ing- thy  faithful,  detained  in  the  receptacles  of  sor- 
row, and  transport  them  to  the  city  of  eternal 
peace, 

That  thou  vouchsafe  to  shorten  the  time  of  ex- 
piation of  their  sins,  and  gTaciously  admit  them 
into  the  holy  sanctuary,  in  which  no  unclean 
thing"  can  enter, 

That  thou  vouchsafe  through  the  prayers,  and 
alms  of  thy  Church,  and  especially  the  inestima- 
ble sacrifice  of  thy  holy  altar,  to  receive  them 
into  the  tabernacles  of  rest,  and  to  crown  their 
longing-  hopes  with  everlasting  fruition, 

Son  of  God! 

O  Lamb  of  God,  who  takest  away  the  sins  of  the 
world!   Give  them  rest. 

O  Lamb  of  God,  who  takest  away  the  sins  of  the 
world!   Give  them  rest. 

O  Lamb  of  God,  who  takest  away  the  sins  of  the 
world!   Give  them  eternal  rest. 

Christ!  hear  us;  Christ!  graciously  hearus.. 

Lord!  have  mercy  on  us;  Christ!  have  mercy  on  us; 
Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

V.   And  lead  us  not  into  temptation; 

B.   But  deliver  us  from  evil.     Amen. 

V.  From  the  gates  of  hell, 


'<&8  DEVOTIONS  FOR 

R.  Deliver  their  souls,  O  Lord! 

V.   May  vhey  vest  in  peace! 

R.  Amen. 

V.  O  Lord!  hear  my  prayer. 

R.  And  let  my  supplication  come  unto  thee. 

Let  us  pray. 

O  Gon,  the  Creator  and  Redeemer  of  all  the  faith 
fuli  give  to  the  souls  of  thy  servants  departed  the  re 
mission  of  all  their  sins;  that  through  pious  supplica- 
tions, they  may  obtain  the  pardon,  which  they  have 
always  desired:  throug'h  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord.  Amen. 

O  Gon!  the  giver  of  pardon,  and  the  lover  of  the 
salvation  of  men!  we  beseech  thy  clemency  in  behalf 
of  our  brethren,  kinsfolks,  and  benefactors,  who  have 
departed  this  life;  that  by  the  intercession  of  the  bless- 
ed virgin  Mary,  and  of  all  the  saints,  thou  wouldst  re- 
ceive them  into  the  joys  of  thy  everlasting  kingdom: 
through  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  Gon!  whose  property  is  always  to  have  mercy, 
and  to  spare,  be  favourably  propitious  to  the  souls  of 
thy  servants,  and  grant  them  the  remission  of  all  their 
sins;  that  being  delivered  from  the  bonds  of  this  mor- 
tal life,  they  may  be  admitted  to  life  everlasting: 
through  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord.     Amen. 

TUESDAY. TO  THE  HOLT  AXGELS. 

"  Are  rhey  not  all  ministering  spirits,  sent  to  minister  for  those 
who  shall  receive  the  inheritance  of  salvation."    Ileb.  i.  14. 

A  prayer  to  our  Angel  Guardian. 

O  holt  Angel!  to  whose  care,  God  in  his  mercy, 

hath  committed  me;  thou,  who  assistest  me  in  my 

wants,  who  consolest  me  in  my  afflictions,  who  sup- 

portest  me  when  dejected,  and  who  constantly  ob- 


EVERY  DAY  IN  THE  WEEK.  2o9 

tamest  for  me  new  favours;  I  return  thee  now,  most 
sincere,  and  humble  thanks;  and  I  conjure  thee,  O 
amiable  Guide!  to  continue  still  thy  care;  to  defend 
me  against  my  enemies;  to  remove  from  me  the  occa- 
sions of  sin;  to  obtain  for  me  a  docility  to  thy  holy  in- 
spirations; to  protect  me,  in  particular,  at  the  hour  of 
my  death;  and  then  conduct  me  to  the  mansions  of 
eternal  repose.     Amen. 

A  prayer  to  St.  Michael. 
Glorious  St.  Michael,  Prince  of  the  heavenly  host! 
who  standest  always  ready  to  give  assistance  to  the 
people  of  God.  who  didst  fight  with  the  dragon,  the 
old  serpent,  and  didst  cast  him  out  of  heaven,  and 
now  valiantly  defendest  the  Church  of  God,  that  the 
gates  of  hell  may  never  prevail  against  her;  I  earnest- 
ly intreat  thee  to  assist  me  also,  in  the  painful,  and 
dangerous  conflict  which  I  have  to  sustain  against  the 
same  formidable  foe.  Be  with  me,  O  mighty  Prince! 
that  I  may  courageously  fight,  and  happily  vanquish 
that  proud  dragon,  whom  thou  hast,  by  the  divine 
power,  so  gloriously  overcome,  and  whom  our  power- 
ful King,  Jesus  Christ,  has,  in  our  nature,  so  complete- 
ly overthrown;  to  the  end  that,  having  triumphed 
over  the  enemy  of  my  salvation,  I  may,  with  thee, 
and  the  holy  angels,  praise  the  clemency  of  God,  who, 
having  refused  mercy  to  the  revolted  angels  afler 
their  fall,  has  granted  repentance  and  forgiveness  to 
fallen  man. 

THE  L1TANT  OF  THE  HOLT   AXGELS. 

Lord!  have  mercy  on  us.     Christ!  have  mercy  on 
us.     Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Christ!  heai  us      Christ!  graciously  hear  us. 


240  DEVOTIONS    FOR 

God  the  Father  of  heaven!  have  mercy  en  us. 

Co  I  the  Son  Redeemer  of  the  world!  have  mercy 
on  us. 

God  the  Holy  Ghost!  have,  &c. 

Holy  Trinity,  one  God!  have,  he. 

Holy  Mary,  queen  of  angels! 

St.  Michael,  who  always  wast  the  defender  of 
the  people  of  God! 

St.  Gabriel,  who  wast  appointed  to  announce 
the  incarnation  of  the  eternal  Word! 

St.  Raphael,  the  conductor  of  Tobias! 


Holy  Serapl 


inn 


Holy  Cherubim! 

Holy  Thrones! 

Holy  Dominations! 

Holy  Virtues! 

Holy  Powers! 

Holy  Principalities! 

Holy  Archangels! 

Holy  Angels! 

O  ye,  who  stand  around  the  throne  of  the  most 
High  God! 

O  ye,  who  always  see  the  face  of  the  heavenly 
Father! 

O  ye,  to  whom  God  has  committed  the  care, 
and  guardianship  of  mankind! 

O  ye,  who  brought  forth  Lot  and  his  family 
from  the  midst  of  the  wicked! 

O  ye,  who  ministered  to  Christ  in  the  desert, 
when  he  had  put  the  tempter  to  flight! 

O  ye,  who  carried  Lazarus  into  Abraham's 
bosom! 


I 


EVERY  DAY  IN  THE  WEEK.  241 

O  ye,  who  often  delivered  the  servants  of  God") 
from  prison  and  dangers! 

O  ye,  who  often  comforted  the  holy  martyrs  in 
the  midst  of  torments! 

O  ye,  who  carry  up,  and  offer  to  God  the  pray- 
ers of  his  servants! 

O  ye,  who  have  joy  in  heaven  upon  one  sin- 
ner's doing  penancr! 

O  ye,  who  have  been  set  over  nations,  king- 
doms, and  provinces! 

O  ye,  who  will  attend  upon  Jesus  Christ  when 
he  comes  to  judge  the  world! 

O  ye,  ministering  spirits,  sent  to  minister  for 
those,  who  shall  receive  the  inheritance  of  sal- 
vation! 

O  ye,  angels  of  the  Lord,  who  are  mighty  in 
strength,  and  execute  his  word,  hearkening  to 
the  voice  of  his  orders! 

O  ye,  the  hosts  of  the  Lord,  his  ministers,  who 
do  his  will! 

O  thou,  holy  Angel,  my  faithful  guardian! 

Holy  Angel,  my  guide,  and  my  friend! 

Holy  Angel,  my  counsellor,  and  powerful  in- 
tercessor! 

Holy  Angel,  my  protector,  and  comforter! 

All  ye  orders  of  blessed  spirits! 

Be  merciful  unto  us.      Spare  us,  0  Lord! 

Be  merciful  unto  us.     Hear  us,  0  Lord.' 

From  all  dangers,  by  thy  holy  Angels,  0  Lord.'  de- 
liver us. 

From  the  snares  of  the  devil,  by  thy  holy,  &c< 

From  all  sin,  brj  thy  holy,  Uc. 
21 


242  DEVOTIONS  FOR 

From  a  sudden  and  unprovided  death,  by  thy  holy, 
&c. 

We  sinners,  do  beseech  thee  to  hear  us. 

Through  the  intercession  of  thy  holy  Angels,^ 

That  thou  spare  us, 

That  thou  pardon  us, 

That  thou  vouchsafe  to  preserve  and  govern 
thy  holy  Church, 

That  thou  vouchsafe  to  grant  peace,  and  unity 
to  all  christian  people, 

That  thou  vouchsafe  to  give  eternal  rest  to  all  ^  ?• 
the  faithful  departed, 

That  thou  vouchsafe  to  send  thy  holy  Angels  to 
us  at  the  hour  of  our  death, 

That  thou  vouchsafe,  after  our  death  to  receive      £ 
our  souls,  through  the  hands  of  the  angels,  into 
eternal  bliss, 

Son  of  God. 

Lamb  of  God,  8tc. 

V.   All  ye  holy  orders  of  blessed  spirits!  pray  for  us; 

R.  That  we  may  be  made  worthy  of  the  promise? 
of  Christ 

Let  its  pray. 
O  Gon!  who,  in  thy  wonderful  providence,  hast 
been  pleased  to  appoint  thy  holy  Angels  for  our  guar 
dians;  mercifully  hear  our  prayers,  and  grant  we  mav 
rest  secure  under  their  protection,  and  enjoy  their 
fellowship  in  heaven  for  ever:  through  Jesus  Christ, 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

WEDNESDAY. TO   ST.    JOSEPH. 

"Joseph,  the  husband  of  Mary,  of  whom  was  born  J  >  it 

called  Christ."    Matt.  i.  16 


EVERY  DAY  IN  THE  WEEK.  244 

A  prayer  to  St.  Joseph. 
O  great  Saint!  who  art  that  wise  and  faithful  ser- 
vant, whom  God  hath  charged  with  the  care  of  his 
family!  thou  whom  he  hath  established  the  guardian 
and  protector  of  the  life  of  Jesus,  the  consoler  and 
support  of  his  Mother,  and  her  faithful  associate  in 
the  great  design  of  our  redemption;  thou  who  hadst 
the  happiness  to  live  with  Jesus  and  Mary,  and  to  ex- 
pire in  their  arms!  Chaste  Spouse  of  the  Mother  of 
God!  thou  Model  of  pure,  humble,  and  interior  souls! 
be  touched  with  the  confidence,  we  have  in  thee,  and 
graciously  accept  these  testimonies  of  devotion.  We 
return  God  thanks,  for  the  favours  he  hath  bestowed 
on  thee;  and  we  beg,  through  thy  intercession,  that 
we  may  imitate  thy  virtues.  Pray  for  us,  then,  O  glo- 
rious Saint!  and  by  that  love,  thou  always  hadst  for 
Jesus,  and  for  Mary,  and  which  Jesus  and  Mary  had 
also  for  thee,  obtain  for  us  the  incomparable  advan- 
tage of  living  and  dying  in  their  holy  love.     Amen. 

THE    LITANY    OF    ST.    JOSEPH. 

Loud!  have  mercy  on  us.     Christ!  have  mercy  on 
us.     Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Christ'  hear  us.     Christ!  graciously  hear  us. 

God  the  Father  of  heaven!  have  mercy  on  us. 

God  the  Son,  Redeemer  of  the  world!  have  mercy 
on  us. 

God  the  Holy  Ghost!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Holy  Trinity,  one  God!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Holy  Mary,  spouse  of  Joseph,  "^   ^ 

St.  Joseph,  chosen  by  God  to  be  the  spouse  of  I 
Mary ! 


St  Joseph,  filled  with  the  blessings  of  heaven 


£14  DEVOTIONS    FOR 

St.  Joseph,  first  among1  the  patriarchs!  "| 

St.  Joseph,  a  helper  given  to  Mary  like  unto 
herself! 

St.  Joseph,  the  virgin  consort  of  a  virgin  mo- 
ther! 

St.  Joseph,  comforter  of  the  mother  of  God! 

St.  Joseph,  son  of  David! 

St.  Joseph,  after  Mary,  first  adorer  of  Jesus 
infant! 

St.  Joseph,  the  reputed  father  of  the  son  of 
God! 

St.  Joseph,  whom  the  Lord  made  master  of  his 
house,  and  ruler  of  all  his  possessions! 

St.  Josepl.    ruler  of  the  Lord  of  the  universe! 

St.  Joseph,  governor  of  the  incarnate  Wisdom! 

St.  Joseph,  nursing  father  to  him,  by  whom 
all  creatures  live! 

St.  Joseph,  organ  of  the  divine  word  reduced 
to  silence! 

St.  Joseph,  saviour  of  the  Saviour  of  mankind! 

St.  Joseph,  pattern  of  silence  and  resignation! 

St.  Joseph,  head  cf  the  most  noble,  and  most 
holy  family! 

St.  Joseph,  honoured  and  served  by  the  King 
and  Queen  of  heaven! 

St.  Joseph,  singularly  beloved  by  Jesus  and 
Mary! 

St.  Joseph,  just  and  perfect  man! 

St.  Joseph,  accomplished  model  of  an  interior 
life! 

St.  Joseph,  blessed  with  the  happiness  of  dying- 
in  the  arms  of  Jesus  and  Mary! 


5 


EYERY  DAY  IN  THE  WEEK.  245 


1» 


St.  Joseph,  piously  believed  to  have  risen  with' 
.testis  Christ! 

St.  Joseph,  seated  on  a  throne  of  glory  near 
those  of  Jesus  and  Mary!  f"sj* 

St.  Joseph,  special  protector  of  dying-  chris-      § 
tians!  ,  J 

Lamb  of  God,  Sec. 

Christ!  hear  us.     Christ!  graciously  hear  us. 

V.  The  just  man  shall  flourish  like  the  palm-tree. 

R.   He  shall  be  multiplied  as  the  cedar  of  Libanus. 

Let  us  pray. 
Giiant,  we  beseech  thee,  O  Lord!  that  we  may  be 
assisted  by  the  merits  of  the  spouse  of  thy  most  holy 
Mother;  that  what  our  own  power  does  not  obtain, 
may  be  given  us  by  his  intercession.  Who  livest  and 
reign  est  world  without  end.  Amen. 

THURSDAY. TO  THE  MOST  HOLY  SACRAXEN'T. 

u  My  flesh  is  meat  indeed,  and  my  blood  is  drink  indeed.  He  who 
tateth  my  flesh,  and  drinket'.nDy  blood,  abideth  in  me  and  I  in  him." 
John,  vi.  56,  57. 

A  prayer  to  Jesus  in  the  blessed  Sacrament. 
O  sweet,  and  adorable  Jesus!  who  in  the  excess  of 
thv  love,  art  pleased  to  dwell  with  us  in  the  Sacra- 
ment of  the  Altar;  I  here  acknowledge  thee  as  my 
Sovereign  and  my  God.  I  adore  thee,  with  the  most 
profound  humility.  I  thank  thee,  with  all  my  heart, 
for  the  tenderness,  thou  here  showest  us,  in  sp'te  of 
the  treatment  thou  receivest.  Pierced  with  the  sin- 
cerest  grief,  at  the  s;ght  of  our  ingratitude,  I  come, 
<)  God  of  Majesty!  to  make  thee  some  poor  amends 
tor  all  the  sacrileges,  and  the  impiety,  which  were 
ever  committed,  or  ever  will  be  committed  against 
this  adorable  Sacrament.  Why  cannot  I,  O  God!  suf- 
21* 


246  DEVOTIONS  FOR 

ficiently  testify  my  own  regret,  for  having"  so  often 
appeared  before  thee  with  indifference,  and  for  hav- 
ing approached  thee  with  so  little  fervour,  and  so  little 
love?  Forget,  O  Lord!  our  iniquities,  that  thou  may- 
est  only  remember  thy  own  infinite  mercies.  Deig-n 
to  accept  the  desire  I  have  of  honouring-  thee  in  this 
amiable  Sacrament.  Yes,  I  wish  with  all  my  heart 
to  love  thee,  to  bless,  to  praise,  and  to  adore  thee 
here,  as  much  as  saints  and  angels  do:  and  I  conjure 
thee,  by  this  sacred  Body,  and  this  most  precious 
Blood,  that  I  may  henceforth  honour  thee  so  fervent- 
ly, and  receive  thee  so  worthily,  that  after  this  life,  1 
may  praise  thee  for  ever  with  thy  saints  in  heaven 
Amen. 

THE  LITAXT  OF  THE   BLESSED   SACTIAMT.NT. 

Lonn!  have  mercy  on  us.  Christ!  have  mercy  on 
us.     Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Christ!  hear  us.     Christ!  graciously  hear  us. 

God,  the  Father  of  heaven!   have  mercy  on  us! 

God  the  Son,  Redeemer  of  the  world!  have  mercy 
on  us. 

God,  the  Holy  Ghost!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Holy  Trinity,  one  God!   have  mercy  on  us. 

O  living*  bread,  which  came  down  from  heaven H 

O  Saviour  of  Israel,  who  art  truly  a  hidden  God' 

O  wheat  of  the  elect! 

O  wine,  which  makest  virgins  1 

O  bread,  yielding-  dainties  to  kings! 

Continual  sacrifice! 

Clean  oblation! 

Lamb  without  blemish 

Food  of  angels! 

Hidden  manna! 


EVERY  DAY  IN  THE  WEEK.  247 

Memorial  of  the  wonders  of  God! 

Super-substantial  bread! 

Word  made  flesh,  and  dwelling  among  us! 

Holy  victim! 

Chalice  of  benediction! 

Mystery  of  faith! 

Most  high  and  venerable  Sacrament! 

Most  holy  sacrifice,  truly  propitiatory  for  the 
living'  and  the  dead! 

Heavenly  antidote,  by  which  we  are  preserved 
from  sin! 

Most  stupendous  of  all  miracles! 

Memorial  of  the  most  sacred  passion  of  our 
Lord! 

Gift  of  God,  exceeding-  all  fullness! 

Singular  pledge  of  divine  love! 

Overflow  of  divine  liberality! 

Most  holy  and  august  mystery! 

Remedy,  which  confers  immortality! 

Awful  and  life-giving  Sacrament! 

Bread,  by  the  omnipotence  of  the  word,  chang- 
ed into  flesh! 

Unbloody  sacrifice! 

Our  food  and  our  guest! 

Delicious  banquet,  at  which  ministering  angels 
are  present! 

Sacrament  of  piety ! 

Bond  of  unity! 

Offerer  and  oblation! 

Spiritual  swe  ^tncss,  tasted  in  its  very  source! 

Refection  of  holy  souls! 

Viaticum  of  those,  who  die  in  the  Lord! 

Pledge  of  the  glory  to  come! 


248  DEVOTIONS  FOR 

Be  merciful;  Spare  us,  0  Loid! 

Be  merciful:  Hear  us,  0  Lord/ 

From  an  unworthy  receiving"  of  thy  body  and"" 
blood, 

From  the  concupiscence  of  the  flesh, 

From  the  concupiscence  of  the  eyes, 

From  the  pride  of  life, 

From  all  occasions  of  sin, 

By  the  desire  with  which  thou  dcsiredst  to  eat 
this  pasch  with  thy  disciples, 

By  that  profound  humility,  which  prompted 
thee  to  wash  the  feet  of  thy  disciples, 

By  that  most  ardent  charity,  which  moved  thee 
to  institute  this  divine  Sacrament, 

By  thy  most  precious  blood,  which  thou  hast 
left  to  us  on  our  altars, 

By  the  five  wounds,  which,  for  our  sake,  thou 
receivedst  in  thy  most  sacred  body,  J 

We  sinners,  do  beseech  thee  to  /tear  us. 

That  thou  vouchsafe  to  preserve,  and  increase^ 
in  our  hearts,  the  reverence  and  devotion  due  to 
this  admirable  Sacrament, 

That  thou  vouchsafe,  by  a  sincere  confession 
of  our  sins,  to  make  us  worthy  of  a  frequent 
participation  of  the  holy  Eucharist, 

That  thou  vouchsafe  to  deliver  us  from  all  he- 
resy, perfidiousness,  and  blindness  of  heart, 

That  thou  vouchsafe  to  impart  to  us  the  pre- 
cious, and  heavenly  fruits  of  this  holy  Sacrament, 

That  thou  vouchsafe,  at  the  hour  of  our  death, 
to  strengthen  and  comfort  us  with  this  celestial 
viaticum, 

Son  of  God! 


>^ 


EVERY  DAY  IN  THE  WEEK.  249 

Lamb  of  God,  &c. 

Christ!  hear  us.     Christ!  graciously  hear  us. 
V.  Thou  hast  given  them  bread  from  heaven. 
M.   Having-  in  it,  all  that  is  delicious. 

Let  us  pray. 
O  Gon!  who  in  this  wonderful  Sacrament,  hast  left 
us  a  memorial  of  thy  passion:  grant  us,  we  beseech 
thee,  so  to  reverence  the  sacred  mysteries  of  thy 
body  and  blood,  that  we  may  always  find  in  our  souls 
the  fruit  of  thy  redemption.  Who  livest  and  reign- 
est  world  without  end.     Amen. 

FniDlI. TO  JESUS  SUFFERING. 

li  Christ  suffered  Torus,  leaving  you  an  example,  that  you  should 
follow  his  steps."    I  Pet.  ii.  21- 

Ji  prayer  to  Jesus  suffering. 

O  spotless  Lamb!  O  innocent  victim!  who,  by  thy 
death  and  blood,  hast  effaced  the  sins  of  mankind,  blot 
out  my  iniquities,  and  do  not  permit  that  thy  suffer- 
ings should  become  useless  to  me.  O  Jesus,  abandon- 
ed by  every  one,  sorrowful,  desolate,  and  resigned  to 
death!  help  me  now,  to  receive  with  a  resignation 
like  thine,  whatever  afflictions,  thou  shalt  please  to 
send  me.  O  Jesus,  calumniated,  accused,  despised! 
teach  me  to  disregard  the  judgments  of  men,  and  to 
Buffer,  with  patience,  the  most  base  injuries.  O  Je- 
s  is,  torn  with  stripes,  pierced  with  thorns,  weltering 
in  blood  for  my  sake!  teach  me  to  endure,  for  love  of 
thee,  the  anguish  and  inconvenience  of  ill  health  and 
sickness.  O  Jesus,  abandoned  to  executioners!  shame- 
full)  condemned  to  a  cross!  enable  me  to  fly  all  vain- 
^lon ,  and  embrace  the  most  humbling  confusion.    O 


250  DEVOTIONS  FOR 

Jesus,  sinking"  under  the  weight  of  thy  cross!  I  unite 
myself  to  thee,  and  my  cross  also  to  thine — may  I 
ever  carry  it  with  the  same  strength  and  sweetness, 
which  thou  didst.  O  Jesus,  raised  upon  thy  cross! 
draw  me  now  powerfully  to  thee.  Thou  art  expiring 
for  my  sake,  O!  let  me  never  live  but  for  thine!  that 
being"  henceforth  crucified  with  thee,  my  whole  occu- 
pation may  be  to  love,  to  praise,  and  to  adore  thee. 
dm  en. 

THE  LITANY  OF  THE  LIFE  A>~D  PASSIOX  OF  JESUS  CHBIST. 

Lord!    have  mercy  on  us.     Christ!  have  mercy  on 
us.     Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Christ!  hear  us.     Christ!  graciously  hear  us. 

God,  the  Father  of  heaven! 

God,  the  Son,  Redeemer  of  the  world! 

God,  the  Holy  Ghost! 

Holy  Trinity,  one  God! 

Jesus,  the  desired  of  all  nations! 

Jesus,  sent  by  the  Father  into  the  world! 

Jesus,  conceived  by  the  Holy  Ghost! 

Jesus,  the  word  made  flesh! 

Jesus,  taking-  the  form  of  a  servant! 

Jesus,  in  the  womb  of  Man',  visiting  and  sanc- 
tifying John  the  Baptist! 

Jesus,  born  of  the  virgin  Mary! 

Jesus,  wrapped  up  in  swaddling  clothes,  and 
laid  in  a  manger! 

Jesus,  adored  by  the  shepherds,  in  the  stable! 

Jesus,  subjecting  thyself  to  the  law  of  circum- 
cision ! 

Jesus,  adored  by  the  wise  men! 

Jesus,  presented  in  the  temple! 


5 


EVEltY  DAY  IN  THE  WEEK.  251 

Jesus,  carried  into  Egypt! 

Jesus,  sought  for  by  Herod  to  be  destroyed! 

Jesus,  brought  up  in  Nazareth! 

Jesus,  lost  by  thy  holy  Mother,  and  found  in 
the  temple,  in  the  midst  of  the  doctors! 

Jesus,  subject  to  thy  Parents! 

Jesus,  baptized  by  John! 

Jesus,  fasting,  and  tempted  in  the  desert! 

Jesus,  conversing  with  men! 

Jesus,  choosing  poor,  and  illiterate  men  for 
thy  disciples! 

Jesus,  preaching  the  Gospel  of  the  kingdom 
of  God! 

Jesus,  healing  all  diseases,  and  infirmities 
among  the  people! 

Jesus,  transfigured  on  the  mountain! 

Jesus,  sold  for  thirty  pieces  of  silver! 

Jesus,  washing  thy  disciples  feet! 

Jesus,  eating  the  Pasch  with  thy  disciples! 

Jesus,  making  a  food  of  thy  Body,  and  a  drink 
of  thy  Blood,  for  the  nourishment  of  our  souls! 

Jesus,  prostrate  in  humble  prayer  in  the  gar- 
den of  Olives! 

Jesus,  thrown  into  an  agony,  and  covered  with 
a  bloody  sweat! 

Jesus,  comforted  by  an  angel ! 

Jesus,  betrayed  by  Judas  with  a  kiss! 

Jesus,  tied  and  bound  by  thy  enemies! 

Jesus,  abandoned  by  thy  disciples! 

Jesus,  arraigned  before  Annas  andCaiphas. 

Jesus,  struck  on  the  face  by  a  servant! 

Jesus,  accused  by  false  witnesses! 


252  DEVOTIONS  TOR 

Jesus,  judged  guilty  of  death!  1 

Jesus,  spit  upon,  blind-folded  and  buffeted! 

Jesus,  denied  thrice  by  Peter! 

Jesus,  delivered  in  chains  to  Pilate! 

Jesus,  despised  and  mocked  by  Herod! 

Jesus,  postponed  to  Barabbas! 

Jesus,  cruelly  scourged  with  whips! 

Jesus,  wounded  and  bruised  for  our  sins! 

Jesus,  clothed  in  derision  with  a  purple  gar- 
ment! 

Jesus,  crowned  with  thorns! 

Jesus,  with  a  reed  in  thy  hand  instead  of  a 
sceptre,  derided  and  insulted  as  a  mock-king! 

Jesus,  most  unjustly  condemned  to  the  igno- 
minious death  of  the  cross! 

Jesus,  loaded  with  a  heavy  cross,  and  carrying 
it  to  Calvary ! 

Jesus,  led  as  an  innocent  lamb  to  slaughter! 

Jesus,  nailed  to  the  cross,  and  elevated  upon 
it,  between  two  thieves! 

Jesus,  who  hast  loved  us  and  delivered  thyself 
for  us,  as  an  oblation  and  a  sacrifice  to  God! 

Jesus,  who  washed  us  from  our  sins  in  thy 
blood! 

Jesus,  praying  for  thy  enemies! 

Jesus,  blasphemed  by  those  who  passed  by! 

Jesus,  promising  paradise  to  the  repenting 
thief! 

Jesus,  giving  Mary  to  John  for  his  mother! 

Jesus,  amorously  complaining  of  being  forsa- 
ken by  thy  Father! 

Jesus,  drenched  in  thy  thirst  with  vinegar  and 
gall] 


EVERY  DAY  IN  THE  WEEK. 

Jesus,  recommending-  thy  spirit  into  thy  Fa-^ 
theirs  hands! 

Jesus,  bowing  thy  head,  and  expiring-  on  the 
cross ! 

Jesus,  whose  side  was  opened  with  a  spear, 
whence  issued  forth  blood  and  water! 

Jesus,  taken  down  from  the  cross,  wrapped  up 
in  a  clean  linen  cloth,  and  laid  in  a  new  monu- 
ment! 

Jesus,  whose  soul,  after  thy  death  descended 
into  hell! 

Jesus,  who  wast  delivered  up  for  cur  sins,  and 
who  rose  for  our  justification! 

Jesus,  who,  rising-  from  the  dead,  diest  now  no 
more! 

Jesus,  ascending  into  heaven! 

Jesus,  who  sittest  at  the  right  hand  of  God! 

Jesus,  crowned  with  honour  and  glory! 

Jesus,  King  of  kings,  and  Lord  of  lords! 

Jesus,  who  hast  gone  to  prepare  a  place  for  us 
n  the  house,  of  thy  Father! 

Jesus,  our  advocate  before  the  Father,  always 
iving  to  make  intercession  for  us! 

Jesus,  who  didst  send  the  Holy  Ghost  to  thy 
disciples! 

Jesus,  who  wilt  come  at  the  last  day  to  judge 
the  living  and  the  dead! 

Jesus,  who  wilt  cast  out  the  wicked  into  ever- 
lasting fire! 

Jesus,  who  wilt  put  thy  elect  in  possession  of 
thy  eternal  kingdom! 

Be  merciful;  Spare  us,  0  Lord! 

Be  merciful;  Hear  us,  0  Lord! 
22 


254  DEVOTIONS  FOR 

From  all  evil,  Lord  Jesus/  deliver  us. 

From  a  sudden  and  unprovided  death, 

From  the  snares  of  the  devil,' 

From  anger,  hatred,  and  ill-will, 

From  everlasting'  death, 

Through  thy  most  holy  life, 

Through  thy  most  bitter  passion, 

Through  thy  unspeakable  glory, 

Through  thy  infinite  merits, 

We  sinners,  do  beseech  thee  to  hear  us. 

That  being  dead  to  sin,  we  may  live  to  justice, } 

That  we  may  not  glory,  but  in  thy  holy  Cross, 

That  for  the  love  of  thee,  the  world  may  be 
crucified  to  us,  and  we  to  the  world, 

That  we  may  always  bear  about  in  our  body 
thy  mortification, 

That  we  may  crucify  our  flesh,  with  its  vices 
and  concupiscences, 

That  we  may  take  up  our  cross,  every  day, 
and  follow  thee, 

That  we  may  seek,  above  all  things,  to  know 
thee,  our  crucified  Jesus, 

That  thy  sacred  blood  may  cleanse  our  con- 
sciences from  dead  works,  to  serve  the  living 
God, 

That  being  dead  to  sin,  and  buried  together 
with  thee,  we  also  may  rise  with  thee,  and  walk 
in  newness  of  life, 

That  looking  at  the  example  thou  hast  left  us, 
we  may  follow  thy  steps, 

That  being  partakers 
also  be  so  of  thy  glory, 

Lamb  of  God,  &c. 


ft. 


EVERY  DAY  IN  THE  WEEK.  255 

Christ!  hear  us.     Christ!  graciously  hear  us. 
V.  Truly,  he  has  borne  our  infirmities. 
R.  And  he  has  carried  our  sorrows. 

Let  us  pray. 

O  Gon !  whose  only  begotten  Son,  by  his  life,  death, 
and  resurrection,  has  purchased  for  us  the  rewards  of 
eternal  life:  grant,  we  beseech  thee,  that  commem- 
orating' those  sacred  mysteries,  we  may  imitate  what 
they  contain,  and  obtain  what  they  promise:  through 
the  same  Christ,  our  Lord.  Jlmen. 

SATURDAY. TO  THE   BLESSED  VIRGIN. 

u  Behold,  from  henceforth,  all  generations  shall  call  me  blessed;  for 
he  that  is  mighty  hath  done  great  things  to  me."    Luke,  i.  48, 49. 

A  prayer  to  the  blessed  Virgin. 

O  blessed  Virgin,  mother  of  God!  and  by  this  au- 
gust quality,  worthy  of  all  respect  from  men  and  an- 
gels, I  come  to  offer  thee  my  most  humble  homage, 
and  to  implore  the  aid  of  thy  prayers  and  protection. 

Thou  art  all-powerful  with  the  Almighty,  and  thy 
goodness  for  mankind,  is  equal  to  thy  influence  in 
heaven.  Thou  knowest,  O  blessed  Virgin!  that  from 
my  tender  years,  I  looked  up  to  thee  as  my  mother, 
my  advocate,  and  patroness.  Thou  wert  pleased  to 
consider  me,  from  that  time,  as  one  of  thy  children ,- 
and  whatever  graces  I  have  received  from  God,  I  con- 
fess with  humble  gratitude,  that  it  is  through  thee,  1 
nave  received  them.  Why  was  I  not  as  faithful  in  thy 
sen-ice,  as  thou  wert  bountiful  in  assisting  me?  But  I 
will  henceforth  serve,  honour,  and  love  thee.  Ac- 
cept, O  blessed  Virgin!  my  protestations  of  fidelity. 
Look  favourably  on  the  confidence  I  have  in  thee. 


256  DEVOTIONS  FOR 

Obtain  for  me,  of  thy  dear  Son,  a  lively  faith,  a  firm 
hope,  a  tender,  g-enerous  and  constant  love.  Obtain 
for  me  a  purity,  that  nothing-  can  soil;  a  humility  that 
nothing-  can  elate;  a  patient  submission  to  the  will  of 
God,  that  nothing-  can  ever  disturb.  In  fine,  O  glo- 
rious virgin!  obtain  for  me  so  faithful  an  imitation  of 
thy  virtue  in  my  life,  that  I  may  experience  the  pow- 
er of  thy  protection  at  my  death.  Amen. 

THE  LITAXT  OF  THE   BLESSED  VIRGIN. 

See  pag-e  51. 
The  same  in  Latin. 
Ktrie  eleison.     Christe  eleison. 
Kyrie  eleison. 
Christe!  audi  nos. 
Christe !  exaudi  nos. 
Pater  de  coclis  Deus!  miserere  nobis 
Fili  Redemptor  mundi  Deus!     mis. 
Spiritus  Sancte,  Deus!  mis. 

Sancta  Trinitas,  unus  Deus!       mis. 
Sancta  Maria! 
Sancta  Dei  g-enitrix! 
Sancta  virg-o  virg-inum ! 
Mater  Christi! 
Mater  divinae  gratis ! 
Mater  purissima! 
Mater  castissima!  ^.3 

a 

o 


Mater  inviolata! 

Mater  intemerata! 

Mater  amabilis! 

Mater  admirabilis! 

Mater  Oreatoris! 

Mater  Salvatoris'  ' 


EVERY  DAY  IN  THE   WEEK.  257 

Virgo  prudentissima! 
Virgo  veneranda! 
Virgo  praedicanda! 
Virgo  potens! 
Virgo  clemens! 
Virgo  fidelis! 
Speculum  justitix! 
Sedes  sapientiae! 
Causa  nostrae  lxtitiae! 
Vas  spirituale ! 
Vas  honorabile ! 
Vas  insigne  devotionis! 
Rosa  mystical 
Turris  Davidica! 
Tarris  eburnea! 
Domus  aurea! 
Foederis  area! 
Janua  cocli! 
Stella  matutina! 
Salus  infirmorum! 
Refugium  peccatorum! 
Consolatrix  afflictorum! 
Auxilium  Christianorum- 
Regina  angelorum ! 
Regina  patriarcharum ! 
Regina  prophetarum ! 
Regina  apostolorum! 
Regina  martyrum! 
Regina  confessorum! 
Regina  virginum! 
Regina  sanctorum  omnium! 
Agnus  Dei,  qui  tollis  peccata  mundi!  parce  nobis, 
Domine! 

22* 


258  DEVO'lIONS  FOR,  &c 

Agnus  Dei,  qui  tollis  peccata  mundi!  exaudi  nos 
Domine! 

Agnus  Dei,  qui  tollis  peccata  mundi !  miserere  nobis. 

Christe!  audi  nos.     Christe!  exaudi  nos. 

V.   Ora  pro  nobis,  sancta  Dei  genitrix! 

R.  Ut  digni  efficiamur  promissionibus  Christi. 

Or  emus. 
Defekde,  quxsumus,  Domine!  beata  Maria  semper 
virgine  intercedente,  istam  ab  omni  adversitate  fami- 
liam:  et  toto  corde  tibi  prostratam,  ab  hostium  propi- 
tius  tuere  clementer  insidiis.  Per  Christum,  Domi- 
num  nostrum.     Amen. 

Consecration  of  one's  self  to  the  blessed 
Virgin. 

Holt  Mary,  virgin  mother  of  God!  I  this  day  choose 
thee  for  my  mother,  queen,  patroness,  and  advocate; 
and  I  firmly  resolve  never  to  depart,  either  by  word  or 
action,  from  the  duty  I  owe  thee,  or  suffer  those  com- 
mitted to  my  charge  to  say  or  do  any  thing  against 
thy  honour.  Receive  me  therefore  as  thy  servant  for 
ever;  assist  me  in  all  the  actions  of  my  whole  life, 
and  forsake  me  not  at  the  hour  of  my  death.   Amen. 

The  prayer  of  St.  Bernard. 

Remember,  O  most  compassionate  Virgin  Mary' 
that,  from  all  ages,  it  is  unheard  of,  that  any  one 
was  forsaken,  who,  placing  himself  under  thy  mater- 
nal protection,  implored  thy  assistance,  and  begged 
the  favour  of  thy  prayers — animated  with  the  confi- 
dence, which  this  inspires,  I  fly  to  thee,  O  Virgin  of 
virgins,  and  mother  of  my  God!  and  in  the  bitterness 
of  my  sorrows,  I  throw  myself  at  thy  feet.     O  mo- 


DEVOUT  PRAYERS.  259 

ther  of  the  eternal  word!  despise  not  my  humble  sup- 
plication, but  listen  graciously,  and  mercifully  grant 
the  request,  which,  from  my  heart,  I  make  thee. 
Amen. 


VARIOUS  DEVOUT  PRAYERS. 

LITANY  OF  THE  HOLT  GHOST. 

Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Christ!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Christ!  hear  us. 

Christ!  graciously  hear  us. 

God,  the  Father  of  Heaven!  have  mercy  on  us. 

God,  the  Son,  redeemer  of  the  world!  have  mercy 
on  us. 

God,  the  Holy  Ghost!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Holy  Trinity,  one  God!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Holy  Spirit,  proceeding-  from  the  Father  and" 
the  Son! 

Spirit  of  the  Lord,  who,  in  the  beginning-  of 
the  world,  descended  upon  the  waters  and  ren- 
dered them  fruitful! 

Holy  Spirit,  consuming- fire! 

Holy  Spirit,  whose  divine  unction  teaches  and 
inflames  the  heart! 

Spirit  of  Wisdom! 

Spirit  of  Understanding-! 

Spirit  of  Counsel  and  Fortitude! 

Spirit  of  Knowledge  and  Godliness! 

Spirit  of  the  fear  of  the  Lord! 

Spirit  of  Love  and  Joy! 

Spirit  of  Peace! 


260  DEVOUT  PRAYERS. 

Spirit  of  Patience  and  Benignity! 

Spirit  of  Longanimity ! 

Spirit  of  Modesty! 

Spirit  of  Faith! 

Oh  Love!  Oh  Truth!  Oh  God! 

Spirit  of  Light  and  Life! 

Holy   Spirit,   teaching*  without  the   noise   of 
words ! 

Spirit  of  Love  and  Zeal! 

Holy  Spirit,  who  leadest  the  faithful  soul  from 
sacrifice  to  sacrifice! 

Holy  Spirit,  who  fillest  the  soul  with  heavenly  >■  « 
love  and  courage! 

Holy  Spirit,  who  will  not  suffer  earthly  love  in 
the  souls,  which  thou  hast  chosen ! 

Holy  Spirit,  who  united  us  to  the  wounds  of 
Jesus,  and  opened  them  to  receive  us! 

Holy  Spirit,   eternal  Lig-ht  and  Love  of  our 
souls ! 

Holy  Spirit,  sole  comforter! 

Holy  Spirit,  assisting*  the  soul  in  her  pilgrimage! 

Love  of  our  souls! 

Holy  Spirit,  our  God! 

Lamb  of  God,  8c  c. 

Let  us  pray. 

Hear,  Oh  holy  Spirit!  our  humble  prayer:  without 
thee,  we  are  in  ignorance  and  darkness,  feeble  and 
inconstant  children  of  Eve,  will  not  our  state  cf 
misery  and  blindness  move  thee  to  compassion?  Re- 
member, O  Love!  that  hast  given  us  a  Jesus,  remem- 
ber that  we  are  the  children  of  his  tears  and  blood! 
Come,  Oh  Holy  Spirit!  burn  and  consume  our  hearts. 


DEVOUT  PRAYERS.  261 

teach  us  the  ways  of  thy  love,  lead  us  on  our  way 
from  sacrifice  to  sacrifice  until  all  earthly  affections 
shall  be  destroyed  in  us.  Make  us  run  in  the  paths 
of  perfection;  teach  us  the  duties  of  our  state,  and 
let  thy  love  make  us  sacrifice,  all  that,  which  might 
prevent  in  any  way  the  fulfilment  of  our  sacred  obli- 
gations; this  we  beg"  through  the  agony  and  death  of 
our  Lord  and  Saviour.  Amen. 

Ji  prayer  to  St.  Aloysius. 

Angelical  youth  Aloysius!  by  the  particular  ap- 
pointment of  God's  Vicar  upon  earth,  patron  of  those 
who  apply  to  studies;  thou  who  hast  illustrated  the 
church  by  a  holy  contempt  of  an  earthly  principality, 
but  more,  by  the  innocence  of  thy  manners,  the  sanc- 
tity of  thy  life,  and  the  glory  of  thy  miracles.  Allow 
me,  from  this  day,  to  choose  and  adopt  thee  patron, 
and  protector  of  my  life  and  studies,  firmly  resolved 
to  follow  the  examples  of  piety,  and  of  industry, 
which  thou  hast  set  before  me.  Through  the  love 
thou  hast  for  Christ  crucified,  and  for  his  most  blessed 
Mother,  receive  me  as  thy  client,  and  assist  me  in  the 
pursuit  of  virtue  and  of  learning.  Nourish  and  in- 
crease in  me  a  purity  of  body  and  mind;  turn  off  the 
snares  laid  against  my  chastity;  defend  me  against  the 
dangers  of  the  world;  inspire  my  heart  with  a  true, 
and  filial  confidence  in  the  ever  blessed  virgin  Mary, 
the  Mother  of  good  counsel;  direct  and  support  me 
m  my  choice  of  a  state  of  life,  and  let  the  grace  of 
God  be  my  perpetual  defence  against  all  mortal  sin; 
that  as  thou  always  livedst  in  a  state  of  purity  and  in- 
tegrity truly  angelical,  so,  assisted  by  thy  patronage, 
and  aided  by  the  grace  of  God,  I  may  live  chastely 


262  DEVOUT  PRAYERS. 

and  holily  in  this  world,  and  deserve  to  be  associated 
with  thee,  in  the  company  of  the  angels  in  heaven. 
Amen, 

THE  LITANY  OF  ST.    ALOTSIUS. 

Lord  !  have  mercy  on  us. 
Christ!  have  mercy  on  us. 
Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 
Christ!  hear  us. 
Christ!  graciously  hear  us. 
God,  the  Father  of  heaven !  have  mercy  on  us. 
God  the  Son,  Redeemer  of  the  world!  have  mercy 
on  us. 

God,  the  Holy  Ghost!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Holy  Trinity,  one  God!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Holy  Mary! 

Holy  Mother  of  God! 

Holy  virgin  of  Virgins! 

St.  Aloysius! 

Most  beloved  of  Christ! 

The  delight  of  the  blessed  Virgin! 

Most  chaste  youth! 

Angelic  youth! 

Most  humble  youth! 

Model  of  young  students! 

Despiser  of  riches! 

Enemy  of  vanities! 

Scorner  of  honours! 

Honour  of  princes! 

Jewel  of  the  nobility! 

Flower  of  innocence! 

Ornament  of  a  religious  state! 

Mirror  of  mortification! 


J* 


DEVOUT  PRAYERS.  263 


1 


Mirror  of  perfect  obedience! 

Lover  of  evangelical  poverty ! 

Most  affectionately  devout! 

Most  zealous  observer  of  rules! 

Most  desirous  of  the  salvation  of  souls! 

Perpetual  adorer  of  the  holy  Eucharist! 

Particular  client  of  St.  Ignatius! 

Be  merciful,  spare  us,  O  Lord! 

Be  merciful,  hear  us,  O  Lord! 

from  the  concupiscence  of  the  eyes,  O  Lord!  deli- 
ver us. 

From  the  concupiscence  of  the  flesh,  O  Lord!  deli- 
ver Lb. 

From  liie  pride  of  life,  O  Lord!  deliver  us. 

Through  the  merits  and  intercession  of  St.  Aloy- 
sius,  0  Loro!  deliver  us. 

Through  u!s  angfciical  purity,  O  Lord!  deliver  us. 

Through  h'.s  sanctity  and  glory,  O  Lord!  deliver  us. 

We  s'nners,  beseech  thte  to  hear  us. 

Lamb  <>f  God,  &c. 

Christ'  hear  us. 

Christ!  graciously  hear  us- 

V.  Pi-ay  for  us,  St.  Atoysius! 

R.  Thf.f  we  may  be  made  worthy  of  the  promises 
of  Christ 

Let  us  pray. 

O  God!  the  distributor  of  heavenly  gifts;  who  didst 
unite  in  the  angelic  youth  Aloysius,  wonderful  inno- 
cence of  life  with  an  equal  severity  of  penance; 
grant  through  his  merits  and  prayers  that  we,  who 
have  not  followed  the  example  of  his  innocence,  may 


264  DEVOUT  PRAYERS. 

imitate  his  practice  of  penance;  through  our  Lord, 
Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

A  prayer  for  the  constituted  authorities. 

We  pray  thee,  O  Almighty  and  Eternal  God!  who 
through  Jesus  Christ,  hast  revealed  thy  glory  to  all 
nations,  to  preserve  the  works  of  thy  mercy,  that  thy 
Church  being  spread  throughout  the  whole  world,  its 
members  may  continue  with  unchanging  faith,  in  the 
confession  of  thy  name. ' 

We  pray  thee,  who  alone  art  good  and  holy,  to  en- 
dow with  heavenly  knowledge,  sincere  zeal,  and 
sanctity  of  life,  our  chief  Bishop,  N.  N.,  the  Vicar  of 
our  Lord,  Jesus  Christ,  in  the  government  of  his 
Church;  our  own  Bishop,  N.  N.  (or,  if  he  be  not  con- 
secrated, our  Bishop  elect,)  and  all  other  Bishops, 
Prelates  and  pastors  of  the  Church;  and  especially 
those  who  are  appointed  to  exercise  amongst  us  the 
functions  of  the  holy  ministry,  and  to  conduct  thy 
people  into  the  ways  of  salvation. 

We  pray  thee,  O  God  of  might,  wisdom,  and  jus- 
tice! through  whom,  authority  is  rightly  administered^ 
laws  are  enacted,  and  judgment  decreed,  assist  with 
thy  Holy  Spirit  of  council  and  fortitude,  the  President 
of  these  United  States,  that  his  administration  may  be 
conducted  in  righteousness,  and  be  eminently  useful 
to  thy  people,  over  whom  he  presides,  by  encourag-'ing 
due  respect  for  virtue  and  religion;  by  a  faithful  execu- 
tion of  the  laws,  in  justice  and  mercy;  and  by  restrain 
ing  vice  and  immorality.  Let  the  light  of  thy  divine 
wisdom  direct  the  deliberations  of  Congress,  and  shine 
forth  in  all  their  proceedings  and  laws,  framed  for  our 
rule  and  government;  so  that  they  may  tend  to  the 


DEVOUT  PRAYEKS.  265 

preservation  of  peace,  the  promotion  of  national  hap- 
piness, the  increase  of  industry,  sobriety,  and  useful 
knowledge;  and  may  perpetuate  to  us  the  blessing's 
of  equal  liberty. 

We  pray  for  his  Excellency,  the  Governor  of  this 
State,  for  the  members  of  Assembly,  for  all  Judges, 
Magistrates,  and  other  officers,  who  are  appointed  to 
guard  our  political  welfare,  that  they  may  be  enabled, 
by  thy  powerful  protection,  to  discharge  the  duties  of 
their  respective  stations,  with  honesty  and  ability. 

We  recommend  likewise  to  thy  unbounded  mercy, 
all  our  brethren  and  fellow-citizens  throughout  the 
United  States,  that  they  may  be  blessed  in  the  know- 
ledge, and  sanctified  in  the  observance  of  thy  most 
holy  law:  that  they  may  be  preserved  in  union,  and  in 
that  peace,  which  the  world  cannot  give;  and  after 
enjoying  the  blessings  of  this  life,  be  admitted  to 
those,  which  are  eternal. 

Finally,  we  pray  thee,  O  Lord  of  mercy!  to  remem- 
ber the  souls  of  thy  servants  departed,  who  are  gone 
before  us  with  the  sign  of  faith,  and  repose  in  the 
sleep  of  peace;  the  souls  of  our  parents,  relations  and 
friends;  of  those,  who  when  living,  were  members  of 
this  congregation;  and  particularly  of  such,  as  are 
lately  deceased:  of  all  benefactors,  who  by  their  do- 
nations or  legacies  to  this  Church  witnessed  their  zeal 
for  the  decency  of  divine  worship,  and  proved  their 
claim  to  our  grateful,  and  charitable  remembrance. 
To  these,  O  Lord!  and  to  all  that  rest  in  Christ,  grant, 
we  beseech  thee,  a  place  of  refreshment,  light  and 
everlasting  peace;  through  the  same  Jesus  Christ,  our 
Lord  and  Saviour.  Amen. 
23 


266  DEVOUT  PRAYERS. 

A  universal  prayer,  for  all  things  necessary 
to  Salvation. 

0  mi  God!  I  believe  in  thee:  do  thou  strengthen 
my  faith.  All  my  hopes  are  in  thee;  do  thou  secure 
them.  I  love  thee  with  my  whole  heart?  teach  me  to 
love  thee  daily  more  and  more.  I  am  sorry  that  I  have 
offended  thee?  do  thou  increase  my  repentance. 

1  adore  thee,  as  my  first  beginning*.  I  aspire  after 
thee,  as  my  last  end.  I  give  thee  thanks,  as  my  con- 
stant benefactor;  I  invoke  thee,  as  my  sovereign  pro- 
tector. 

Vouchsafe,  0  my  God!  to  conduct  me  by  thy  wis- 
dom, to  restrain  me  by  thy  justice,  to  comfort  me  by 
thy  mercy,  to  defend  me  by  thy  power. 

To  thee,  I  desire  to  consecrate  all  my  thoughts, 
words,  actions,  and  sufferings,  that  henceforward  1 
may  think  of  thee,  speak  of  thee,  and  willingly  refer 
all  my  actions  to  thy  greater  glory,  and  suffer  willing- 
ly whatever  thou  shalt  appoint. 

Lord!  I  desire  that  in  all  things,  thy  will  may  be 
done,  because  it  is  thy  will,  and  that  it  be  done  in  the 
manner  thou  wiliest. 

I  beg  of  thee  to  enlighten  my  understanding,  to  in- 
flame my  will,  to  purify  my  body,  and  to  sanctify  my 
soul. 

Give  me  strength,  O  my  God!  to  expiate  my  often* 
ces,  to  overcome  my  temptations,  to  subdue  my  pas- 
sions, and  to  acquire  the  virtues  proper  for  my  state. 
.Fill  my  heart  with  a  tender  affection  for  thy  good- 
ness, a  hatred  for  my  faults,  a  love  for  my  neighbour, 
and  a  contempt  of  the  world.  Let  me  always  remem- 
ber to  be  submissive  to  my  superiors,  condescending 


DEVOUT  PRAYERS.  257 

to  my  inferiors,  faithful  to  my  friends,  and  charitable 
to  my  enemies. 

Assist  me  to  overcome  sensuality  by  mortification, 
avarice  by  alms-deeds,  anger  by  meekness,  and  tepi- 
dity by  devotion. 

O  my  God!  make  me  prudent  in  my  undertakings, 
courageous  in  dangers,  patient  in  afflictions,  and  hum- 
ble in  prosperity. 

Grant  that  I  may  be  ever  attentive  at  my  prayers, 
temperate  at  my  meals,  diligent  in  my  employments, 
and  constant  in  my  resolutions. 

Let  my  conscience  be  ever  upright  and  pure,  my 
exterior  modest,  my  conversation  edifying,  and  my 
conduct  regular.  Assist  me  that  I  may  continually 
labour  to  overcome  nature,  to  correspond  with  thy 
grace,  to  keep  thy  commandments,  and  to  work  out 
my  salvation. 

Discover  to  me,  O  my  God!  the  nothingness  of  this 
world,  the  greatness  of  heaven,  the  shortness  of  time, 
and  the  length  of  eternity. 

Grant,  that  I  may  prepare  for  death,  that  I  may  fear 
thy  judgments,  that  I  may  escape  hell,  and  in  the  end 
obtain  heaven:    through  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

A  prayer  to  obtain  the  victory  over  our  pas- 
sions 
O  Gon  of  all  sanctity,  and  Father  of  mercy!  who 
hast  created  me,  only  that  I  might  serve  thee  in  the 
glorious  liberty  of  thy  children,  permit  me  not,  to 
grovel  any  longer,  in  the  shameful  slavery  of  my  cri- 
minal passions.  Help  me,  O  God!  to  castaway  from 
me  their  intolerable  yoke.  Support  me  in  the  painful 
war,  which  I  must,  on  this  accoui  t,  wage  against  my- 


268  DEVOUT  PRAYERS. 

self.  Thou  knowest,  O  Lord!  my  extreme  weakness, 
and  the  strength  of  my  enemies.  Thou  seest  my 
numberless  miseries;  almost  every  moment  brings 
some  new  disorder  before  thy  eyes.  My  heart  is 
swelled  with  pride,  transported  with  anger,  soured 
with  resentment,  defiled  with  lust,  gnawed  by  envy, 
corrupted  by  sensuality,  enervated  by  sloth,  enslaved 
by  self-love.  What  constraint,  O  my  God!  what  ser- 
vitude, for  a  soul,  that  would  fain  love  thee,  and  be 
wholly  thine.  I  renounce  and  detest  from  my  heart 
all  those  vicious  propensities.  I  am  sincerely  sorry 
for  having"  so  often  yielded  to  their  sinful  impulse.  1 
grieve,  O  infinite  goodness!  for  my  numberless  of- 
fences against  thee,  of  which  they  have  been  the  un- 
happy source.  I  am  resolved  never  more  to  listen  to 
their  dangerous  suggestions,  I  am  determined  to  part 
from  the  pernicious  objects,  to  which  my  heart  has 
been  enslaved;  even  should  it  cost  me  what  is  dear- 
est to  me.  It  is  in  thy  name,  O  omnipotent  God!  that  I 
take  up  arms  to  fight  against  those  enemies,  which 
many  others,  with  the  assistance  of  thy  grace,  have 
so  happily  vanquished.  It  is  also  in  thy  name  and 
with  thy  heavenly  aid,  that  I  hope  to  gain  ovei 
them  a  complete  victory;  through  Jesus  Christ,  our 
Lord,  who  liveth  and  reigneth  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

A  prayer  for  renewing  the  promises  of  Bap- 
tism. 

Most  holy  Trinity!  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost, 
one  God  in  three  persons!  I  present  myself  before 
thy  sovereign  Majesty,  to  pay  thee  the  tribute  of  my 
adoration   and    thanksgiving,   for   the    innumerable 


DEVOUT  PRAYERS.  269 

graces  and  blessings,  which  thou  hast  so  liberally  be- 
stowed upon  me,  from  my  first  coming-  into  the  world, 
until  now.  I  thank  thee  particularly,  O  my  God!  for 
the  inestimable  grace  of  my  baptism.  What  gratitude 
can  bear  a  proportion  to  such  a  favour?  By  baptism, 
I  have  been  delivered  from  the  power  of  darkness, 
and  translated  into  the  kingdom  of  thy  beloved  Son; 
by  baptism,  I  have  been  cleansed  from  the  stain  of 
that  sin,  in  which  I  was  born;  by  baptism,  I  have  been 
made  a  member  of  the  body  of  Jesus  Christ,  to  live 
oi  his  life,  to  be  animated  and  guided  by  his  spirit, 
to  be  fed  with  his  sacred  flesh,  to  enter  into  his  de- 
signs, to  imitate  his  virtues;  finally,  to  be  a  living 
Image  of  what  he  has  been  during  his  mortal  life. 
These  are  the  obligations  of  my  baptism,  these  are 
the  conditions  of  the  alliance,  which  thou  wouldst 
have  me  to  contract  with  thee :  and  although  T  was  at 
that  time  ignorant  of  them,  and  my  will  had  no  part 
in  this  sacred  contract,  far  from  wishing  to  be  re- 
leased from  them,  or  appealing,  in  any  manner,  from 
my  vows  and  professions,  I  ratify  them  now,  and  re- 
new them  in  thy  presence  from  the  bottom  of  my 
neart,  with  a  profound  sorrow  for  having  hitherto  led 
a  life,  so  little  conformable  to  my  promises,  and 
proved  myself,  by  repeated  transgressions,  so  unwor- 
thy of  the  glorious  quality  of  thy  child.  But  now, 
relying  on  the  promised  assistance  of  thy  grace,  it  is 
my  firm  determination  to  labour  all  my  life  in  fulfil- 
ling the  sacred  engagements,  which  my  Sponsors  have 
contracted  in  my  name. 

Yes,  O  my  God!  I  renounce  for  ever,  Satan  and  all 
his  suggestions,  the  world  and  all  its  pomps,  sin  and 
all  its  concupiscences.     I  am  resolved,  as  it  was  pro- 


270  DEVOUT  PRAYERS. 

mised  in  my  behalf,  to  unite  and  attach  myself  more 
and  more  to  Jesus  Christ,  my  Savio'dr,  and  to  make 
his  divine  laws  and  maxims,  the  objects  of  my  earnest 
study,  and  the  invariable  ride  of  all  my  actions. 

O  Eternal  Father!  who  wast  pleased  to  adopt  me 
in  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ,  as  one  of  thy  children,  and 
to  call  me  to  thy  celestial  inheritance,  revive  in  me 
the  grace  of  this  divine  adoption;  and  since  I  am  re- 
generated by  thee  alone,  in  order  to  be  a  citizen  of 
heaven,  grant  that  I  may  live  for  thee  alone,  and  that 
all  my  desires  and  labours  may  be  directed  to  the  ac- 
quisition of  heavenly  goods. 

O  Jesus,  the  only  begotten  Son  of  the  Father!  who 
hast  made  me  a  member  of  thy  mystical  body,  washed 
me  in  thy  blood,  and  sanctified  me  by  thy  holy  sacra- 
ments, perfect  thy  work  in  me.  Purify  my  heart 
from  the  remains  of  the  pride  and  corruption  of 
Adam;  and  form  thy  precious  image  in  my  soul,  by 
engraving"  in  it  thy  charity,  thy  humility,  thy  purity, 
and  all  thy  other  virtues,  which  are  the  glorious  fea- 
tures of  that  image. 

O  holy  Spirit!  adorable  principle  of  the  divine 
adoption!  be  also  the  principle  of  my  life,  of  my  ac- 
tions, of  my  desires,  and  of  all  the  motions  of  my 
heart,  that  they  may  be  worthy  of  a  child  of  God, 
and  member  of  Jesus  Christ. 

O  Holy  Trinity!  who,  in  consecrating  me  to  thy 
service  by  baptism,  hast  made  me  the  adorer  of  the 
Unity  of  thy  name,  and  of  the  Trinity  of  thy  persons; 
mercifully  grant,  that  I  may  adore  thee  in  spirit  and 
in  truth  during  my  life,  and  love,  praise  and  enjoy 
thee  during  eternity.     Amen, 


DEVOUT  PRAYERS.  271 

A  form  of  renewing  the  obligations  of  Con- 
firmation. 

Mr  Lord,  God!  how  prodigious  is  the  excess  of  thy 
mercy,  who,  not  discouraged  by  the  ingratitude  of 
men,  pardonest  them  those  failings  and  sins,  which 
they  commit  even  against  thy  Sacraments,  the  sacred 
pledges  of  thy  love!  I  most  humbly  beg  pardon  for 
the  unworthiness  I  brought  to  the  sacrament  of  con- 
firmation, for  approaching  to  it  without  being  fully 
mstructed  in  its  excellency,  or  filled  with  a  holy  zeal 
a  ad  desire  of  living,  all  my  days,  according  to  its  spi- 
rit and  sanctity. 

Prostrate,  therefore,  before  thee,  I  here  acknow- 
ledge, I  have  conversed  amongst  Christians  and  thy 
children,  without  due  veneration  for  the  sacred  max- 
ims of  thy  Gospel;  nay,  I  fear  there  has  scarcely 
been  any  company,  wherein  I  have  been  engaged,  or 
visit  I  have  made,  wherein  I  have  not  fallen  much  be- 
neath the  duty  of  a  Christian,  or  done  something  un- 
worthy of  that  profession. 

But  now,  my  God!  I  here  purpose  and  resolve  to 
make  it  my  endeavour  for  the  future,  to  live  as  a 
good  and  faithful  Christian,  and  being  fortified  by  thy 
holy  grace,  to  appear  as  a  true  soldier  of  Jesus  Christ. 

For  this  end  I  beg  of  thee  a  continual  support  of 
thy  grace,  that  the  world,  company,  or  custom  may 
never  be  able  to  corrupt  me  by  their  pernicious  max- 
ims, that  I  may  have  strength  to  resist  all  shame  and 
fear,  which  have  so  often  hindered  me  from  speaking 
and  acting  courageously  when  my  duty  to  thee  was 
concerned.  Grant  me  also,  O  my  God!  the  grace  to 
suffer  in  humility  and  silence  all  the  contradictions, 


272  DEVOUT  PRAYERS. 

affronts  and  calumnies  I  may  meet  with.  This  one 
tiling-  more  I  ask,  that  I  may  no  longer  seek  peace  and 
rest  in  the  thing's  of  tills  world,  but  in  thy  love  only, 
and  in  the  vigorous  practice  of  my  duty,  as  may  most 
contribute  to  thy  honour.     Amen. 

A  prayer  to  oar  holy  patron  of  Baptism. 

Glorious  St.  N. !  whose  name  I  have  the  honour  to 
bear,  who  wast  given  in  baptism  as  a  protector  and  a 
pattern,  and  who,  although  secure  of  thy  own  im- 
mortal bliss,  art  nevertheless  solicitous  about  my  hap- 
piness; assist  me  by  thy  powerful  intercession,  as 
thou  instructest  me  by  the  examples  of  thy  holy  life. 
For  I  truly  can  behold  in  thy  life,  as  in  a  bright  mir- 
ror, what  I  am  to  correct  in  myself,  and  what  I  am 
to  practise.  Thou  hast  been  like  me,  subject  to  suf- 
fering, encompassed  with  infirmities,  assaulted  with 
temptations;  but  being  rooted  and  founded  in  chari- 
ty, thou  hast  spurned  the  rage  and  persecutions  of  the 
world,  despised  its  allurements,  and  triumphed  over 
its  malignity.  Obtain  by  thy  prayers,  that  I  may  be 
endued  with  thy  spirit,  and  become  a  follower  of 
thee,  as  thou  hast  been  of  Christ.  Draw  me,  that  I 
may  run  after  thee  in  the  odour  of  thy  ointments, 
that  is,  of  thy  virtues.  On  the  day  in  which  I  was 
buried  together  with  Christ  by  baptism  unto  death, 
thou  wast  given  me  for  a  witness  and  a  guardian  of 
my  engagements.  I  beseech  thee,  therefore,  that  thou 
assist  me  in  thy  prayers  for  me  to  God,  that  T  u.ny 
hold  fast  the  confession  of  my  hope  without  waver- 
ing, and  that  labouring  to  make  sure  by  good  works 
my  vocation  and  election,  I  may  pursue  towards  the 
mark  for  the  prize  of  the  celestial  vocation  of  Gov], 
in  Christ  Jesus.  Jlmm. 


DEVOUT  PRAYERS.  273 

A  prayer  to  the  monthly  Patron. 

O  thou  blessed  inhabitant  of  the  heavenly  Jerusa- 
lem !  who  hast  been  appointed  by  the  divine  Goodness 
to  be  my  patron  during-  this  month;  receive  me  under 
thy  protection?  defend  me  by  thy  intercession  from 
all  dangers  of  soul  and  body;  obtain  that  I  may  be  a 
faithful  imitator  of  thy  virtues,  and  that  the  fire  of  di- 
vine love  may  be  more  and  more  kindled  in  my  heart. 

V.  Pray  for  us,  St.  N. 

R.  That  we  may  be  made  worthy  of  the  promises 
of  Christ. 

Let  us  pray. 
All  merciful  God!  who  on  each  month  assignest 
me,  through  thy  infinite  love,  one  of  the  heavenly 
citizens  as  my  advocate  and  patron,  graciously  vouch- 
safe, that,  by  the  intercession  of  St.  N.  whom  thy 
goodness  has  appointed  to  be  my  model  and  protector 
during-  this  month,  I,  N.  and  also  N.  N.  {mention  the 
persons  for  whom  you  pray)  may  feel  an  augmentation 
of  thy  grace ;  and  fortified  with  the  same,  may  stead- 
fastly exercise  the  virtue  of  N.  which  his  example 
teaches  and  inspires:  through  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

A  daily  prayer  for  a  pregnant  woman. 
O  Lord,  God  Almighty!  Creator  of  heaven  and 
earth!  who  hast  made  us  all  out  of  nothing-,  and  re- 
deemed us  by  the  precious  blood  of  thy  only  Son; 
look  down  upon  thy  poor  handmaid,  here  prostrate 
before  thee,  humbly  imploring  thy  mercy,  and  beg-- 
g-ing  thy  blessing  for  herself,  and  her  child,  which 


274  DEVOUT  PRAYERS. 

thou  hast  vouchsafed  her  to  conceive.  Preserve,  1 
beseech  thee,  the  work  of  thy  hands,  and  defend  both 
me,  and  the  tender  fruit  of  my  womb,  from  all  perils 
and  all  evils.  Grant  me  in  due  time  a  happy  delivery; 
and  bring"  my  child  safe  to  the  font  of  baptism,  that 
it  may  be  there  happily  dedicated  to  thee,  to  love  and 
serve  thee  faithfully  for  ever.  But,  O  my  God!  I 
have  too  much  reason  to  fear,  lest  my  great  and  mani- 
fold sins  should  hinder  thee  from  hearing  my  prayers, 
and  draw  down  thy  judgments  upon  me  and  mine,  in- 
stead of  the  mercies  which  I  sue  for;  I  am  sensible 
therefore,  the  first  thing"  I  ought  to  do,  is,  to  repent 
from  the  bottom  of  my  heart,  for  all  my  offences, 
humbly  confess  them,  and  continually  cry  to  thee  for 
mercy.  I  detest  then,  all  my  sins  with  my  whole 
heart,  and  desire  to  lay  them  here  all  down  at  thy 
feet,  to  be  effaced  and  destroyed  for  ever.  I  re- 
nounce and  abhor  them  with  my  whole  soul,  because 
they  are  infinitely  odious  to  thee;  and  I  wish  that  I 
could  expiate  them  with  tears  of  blood.  1  humbly 
beg*  thy  pardon  for  them  all,  and  I  wish  with  all  my 
heart,  that  I  had  never  committed  them.  I  here  offer 
myself  to  make  what  satisfaction  I  am  able  for  them; 
and  I  most  willingly  accept  whatever  I  may  have  to 
go  through  in  child-bearing,  and  offer  it  up  now  be- 
fore-hand to  thee  for  my  sins;  firmly  resolving,  by  thy 
grace,  never  wilfully  to  offend  thee  more.  See  here 
my  poor  heart,  O  Lord!  and  if  it  be  not  such  as  I  here 
express,  at  least  I  desire  it  should  be  such.  I  desire 
it  should  be  that  contrite  and  humble  heart,  which 
thou  never  despisest.  In  this  disposition  of  soul,  and 
with  a  lively  confidence  in  thy  mercies,  and  in  the 
merits  of  the  death  and  passion  of  Jesus  Christ  thy 


BONA  MORS.  275 

Son,  I  renew  the  petition  I  made  before,  and  I  once 
more  beg*  of  thee,  for  myself,  thy  grace  and  protec- 
tion, and  a  happy  delivery:  and  for  my  child,  that 
thou  wouldst  be  pleased  to  preserve  it  for  baptism, 
sanctify  it  for  thyself,  and  make  it  thine  for  ever: 
through  the  same  Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son,  our  Lord. 
Amen. 
• 

A  prayer  to  the  five  wounds.* 
O  bountiful,  and  most  sweet  Jesus!  humbly  pros- 
trate before  thee,  I  implore  and  conjure  thee,  with  all 
the  fervour  of  my  soul,  to  engrave  upon  my  heart 
lively  sentiments  of  faith,  hope,  and  charity,  a  true 
repentance  for  my  wandering's,  and  a  firm  purpose  to 
correct  them:  whilst  with  feeling-  grief  I  ponder  in 
spirit  the  pains  of  thy  five  wounds?  having"  in  mind 
these  words  of  the  Prophet  David:  they  have  pierced 
my  hands  and  my  feet;  they  have  numbered  all  my 
bones. 


BONA  MORS, 

On,    A  PIOUS    ASSOCIATION   FOR  OBTAINING  BY  MUTUAL 
PRAYERS,    THE    BLESSING  OF  A  HAPPY    DEATH. 
"  I  heard  a  voice  from  Heaven  saying  unto  me;  write:  Blessed  are 
the  dead  who  die  in  the  Lord."    Jipoc.  xiv.  13. 

Prayers  at  public  meetings  and  for  private 
devotions. 
In  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of 
the  Holy  Ghost.     Amen. 

*  A  peculiar  indulgence  has  been  attached  by  II.  H.  P.  Pius  VII.  to 
the  recital  of  this  prayer.     For  the  conditions,  see  Indulgences. 


276  BONA  MORS. 

Opex,  0  Lord!  our  mouths,  to  bless  thy  holy  name 
cleanse  our  hearts  from  all  vain  and  distracting 
thoughts,;  enlighten  our  understandings;  inflame  our 
will,  that  we  may  worthily  perform  this  holy  exercise 
with  attention,  and  devotion,  and  may  deserve  to  be 
heard  in  the  presence  of  thy  divine  Majesty,  who  with 
the  Father  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  livest  and  reigne**, 
one  God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Christ!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Holy  Mary! 

All  ye  holy  angels  and  archangels! 

St.  Abel! 

All  ye  choirs  of  just  souls! 

St.  Abraham! 

St.  John  the  Baptist! 

All  ye  holy  patriarchs  and  prophets! 

St.  Peter! 

St.  Paul! 


St.  Andrew! 

St.  John! 

AH  ye  holy  apostles  and  evangelists! 

All  ye  holy  disciples  of  our  Lord! 

All  ye  holy  innocents! 

St.  Stephen! 

St.  Laurence! 

All  ye  holy  martyrs! 

St.  Sylvester! 

St.  Gregory! 

St.  Augustin! 

All  ye  holy  bishops  and  confessors! 

St.  Benedict! 


i 


BONA  MORS.  '27' 

St.  Francis! 

All  ye  holy  monks  and  hermits ! 
St.  Mary  Magdalen! 
St.  Lucy! 

All  ye  holy  virgins  and  widows! 
All  ye  saints  of  God!  make  intercession  for  us 
Be  merciful  unto  us,  spare  us,  0  Lord.' 
Be  merciful  unto  us,  hear  us,   0  Lord! 
From  thy  anger, 
From  the  danger  of  death, 
From  an  unfortunate  death, 
From  the  pains  of  hell, 
From  all  evil, 

From  the  power  of  the  devil, 
Through  thy  nativity,  i 

Through  thy  cross  and  passion, 
Through  thy  death  and  burial, 
Throug-h  thy  glorious  resurrection, 
Through  thy  admirable  ascension, 
Through  the  grace  of  the  Holy  Ghost  the  com- 
forter, 

In  the  day  of  judgment, 

"We  sinners,  do  beseech  thee  to  hear  us. 

That  thou  spare  us,  we  beseech  thee  to  hear  us. 

Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Christ!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Let  as  pray. 
May  thy  clemency  vouchsafe,  O  God!  so  to  confirm 
thy  servants  in  thy  holy  grace,  that  at  the  hour  of 
their  death,  the  enemy  may  not  p  revail  against  them, 
24 


278  BONA  MORS. 

but  that  with  thy  angels  they  may  deserve  to  pass  into 
life  everlasting1;  through  our  Lord,  Jesus  Christ.  Amen. 
Omnipotent,  and  most  merciful  Creator!  who,  to 
refresh  thy  thirsty  people  in  the  desert,  didst  com- 
mand streams  of  water  to  flow  from  the  hardest  rocks, 
draw,  we  beseech  thee,  from  our  dry  eyes,  and  stony 
hearts,  desired  tears  of  perfect  compunction,  that  we 
may  fully  detest  all  sin,  and  only  thirst  after  the 
happy  and  glorious  vision  of  thee,  our  God,  the  Fa- 
ther, the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost.     Amen. 

An  act  of  contrition. 

Mi  dear  Lord,  Jesus  Christ,  redeemer  of  the  world! 
Behold  prostrate  at  thy  feet,  the  most  unhappy,  and 
the  most  ungrateful  creature  on  the  face  of  the  earth. 
My  God!  I  have  offended  thee  most  grievously,  in 
thoughts,  words,  and  deeds.  My  heinous  crimes  fixed 
thee  on  the  bloody  cross.  To  rescue  me  from  eternal 
damnation,  thou  didst  agonize  three  hours  on  Mount 
Calvary.  But  oh!  How  much  am  I  displeased  with 
myself!  How  I  grieve,  for  having  offended  thee,  a 
God  of  infinite  goodness,  and  of  infinite  charity !  1 
am  astonished,  and  confounded  at  thy  incomprehen- 
sible patience,  in  supporting  the  most  provoking 
wretch  that  breathes.  From  the  very  bottom  of  my 
heart,  I  detest  all  my  sins;  and  because  I  love  thee, 
and  will  love  thee  above  all  things  created,  I  stead- 
fastly purpose,  by  thy  holy  grace,  never  to  offend  thee 
more,  and  to  die  a  thousand  deaths,  rather  than  com- 
mit one  mortal  sin.  Amen. 

The  stations  of  the  sacred  Passion. 
O  most  sweet  Jesus!  praying  to  the  Father  in  the 


BONA  MORS.  279 

garden,  sorrowful  even  unto  death,  and  sweating"  in 
an  agony  of  grief,  have  mercy  on  us. 

Resp.  Have  mercy  on  us,  O  Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 

O  most  sweet  Jesus!  delivered  by  the  traitor's  kiss 
into  the  hands  of  thy  enemies,  seized  and  bound  like 
a  thief,  and  abandoned  by  thy  disciples,  have  mercy 
on  us. 

Resp.  Have  mercy  on  us,  O  Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 

O  most  sweet  Jesus!  by  the  unjust  verdict  of  the 
Jews  found  guilty  of  death,  brought  like  a  malefactor 
before  the  tribunal  of  Pilate,  scorned  and  derided  by 
impious  Herod,  have  mercy  on  us. 

Resp.  Have  mercy  on  us,  O  Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 

O  most  sweet  Jesus!  stripped  of  thy  garments,  and 
most  inhumanely  scourged  at  the  pillar,  have  mercy 
on  us. 

Resp.  Have  mercy  on  us,  O  Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 

O  most  sweet  Jesus!  crowned  with  thorns,  blind- 
folded, buffetted,  struck  with  a  reed,  clothed  in  de- 
rision with  a  purple  garment,  and  many  other  ways 
scorned  and  reviled,  have  mercy  on  us. 

Resp.  Have  mercy  on  us,  O  Lord:  have  mercy  on  us. 

O  most  sweet  Jesus!  reputed  more  criminal  than 
Barabbas,  the  murderer,  rejected  by  the  Jews,  and 
condemned  to  the  ignominious  death  of  the  cross, 
have  mercy  on  us. 

Resp.  Have  mercy  on  us,  O  Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 

O  most  sweet  Jesus!  loaded  with  a  heavy  cross,  and 
led  like  an  innocent  lamb  to  the  place  of  execution, 
have  mercy  on  us. 

Resp.  Have  mercy  on  us,  O  Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 

O  most  sweet  Jesus!  hanging  between  two  thieves, 
derided,  blasphemed,  made  to  taste  vinegar  and  gall, 


U80  BONA  MORS. 

and  enduring  most  horrible  torments  from  the  sixth 
to  the  ninth  hour,  have  mercy  on  us. 

Resp.  Have  mercy  on  us,  O  Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 

O  most  sweet  Jesus!  dead  upon  the  cross,  in  the 
presence  of  thy  holy  mother,  and  wounded  in  thy 
side  with  a  spear,  whence  issued  forth  water  and 
blood,  have  mercy  on  us. 

Resp.  Have  mercy  on  us,  O  Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 

O  most  sweet  Jesus!  taken  down  from  the  cross, 
and  bathed  with  the  tears  of  thy  most  sorrowful  mo- 
ther, have  mercy  on  us. 

Resp.  Have  mercy  on  us,  O  Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 

O  most  sweet  Jesus!  torn  and  bruised  all  over,  thy 
body  bearing  the  sacred  marks  of  thy  five  most  pre- 
cious wounds,  embalmed  with  spices,  and  laid  in  the 
sepulchre,  have  mercy  on  us. 

Resp.  Have  mercy  on  us,  O  Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Vers.  He  truly  bore  our  sorrows. 

Resp.  And  he  carried  our  grief. 

Let  us  pray. 
O  God!  who,  for  the  redemption  of  the  world,  didst 
vouchsafe  to  be  bora,  circumcised,  rejected  by  the 
Jews,  betrayed  with  a  kiss,  bound  like  a  malefactor, 
like  an  innocent  lamb,  led  to  slaughter,  ignominiously 
brought  before  Annas,  Caiphas,  Pilate,  and  Herod,  ac- 
cused by  false  witnesses,  scourged  with  whips,  buf- 
fetted,  defiled  with  spittle,  crowned  with  thorns, 
stripped  of  thy  clothes,  fastened  to  the  cross,  placed 
between  two  thieves;  to  have  vinegar  and  gall  given 
thee  to  drink,  and  thy  side  pierced  through  with  a 
spear:  may  est  thou,  O  Lord!  by  these  most  grievous 
pains,  which  I,  though  unworthy,  do  commemorate, 
and  by  thy  most  sacred  death,  and  passion,  free  me 


BONA  MORS.  281 

from  the  pains  of  hell,  and  conduct  me,  whither  thy 
mercy  conducted  the  good  thief,  crucified  with  thee, 
who,  together  with  the  Father,  and  the  Holy  Ghost, 
livest  and  reignest  for  ever.     Amen. 

DEVOUT     ADDIIESSES     TO     THE    FITE    WOU>'I)S     OF     OUR 
SAVIOUR. 

[Let  us  adore  the  five  most  sacred  wounds  of  Christ, 
our  Lord,  and  each  one  in  particular,  with  an  assured 
confidence  of  obtaining"  all  blessings  through  his  pas- 
sion and  death,  offered  for  us  to  his  eternal  father. 
We  will  also  condole  with  the  most  holy  mother  of 
Christ,  whose  soul  was  pierced  with  the  sword  of 
grief,  standing  under  the  cross  of  her  beloved  Son. 
We  will  likewise  praise  and  magnify  the  most  blessed 
Trinity,  for  so  great  and  incomprehensible  a  benefit.] 

To  the  wound  of  the  left  foot. 
Mr  Lord,  Jesus  Christ!  I  humbly  adore  the  most 
sacred  wound  of  thy  left  foot.  I  render  thee  thanks 
for  that  cruel  pain,  suffered  with  so  great  love  and 
charity.  I  feelingly  compassionate  thy  torments,  and 
the  excessive  grief  of  thy  most  afflicted  mother.  1 
humbly  beg  pardon  for  all  my  sins,  which  I  lament 
more  than  all  imaginable  evils,  because  they  offend 
thee,  O  infinite  goodness!  And  I  resolve  nevermore 
to  sin.  0 !  bring  all  sinners  with  me,  to  a  true  con- 
version, and  give  them  light  to  discover  the  heinous- 
ness,  the  enormity,  and  brutality  of  a  mortal  crime. 

Our  Father.— Hail  Mary,  &c. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  &.c. 

To  the  wound  of  the  right  foot. 
Mr  Lord,  Jesus  Christ!   I  humbly  adore  the  most 
sacred  wound  of  thy  right  foot.    I  render  thee  thanks 
24* 


282  BONA  MORS. 

for  that  cruel  pain,  suffered  with  so  great  love  and 
charity.  I  feelingly  compassionate  thy  torments,  and 
the  excessive  grief  of  thy  most  afflicted  mother.  ] 
supplicate  thee  to  grant  me  strength  against  all  temp- 
tations, and  a  prompt  obedience  in  the  execution  of 
thy  divine  will.  Comfort,  O  Jesus!  all  poor,  miser- 
able, afflicted,  tempted  and  persecuted  persons.  Most 
just  Judge!  govern  those  who  administer  justice,  and 
assist  all  labourers  in  the  cure  of  souls,  whether 
amongst  Christians  or  Infidels. 

Our  Father— Hail  Mary — Glory,  &c. 

To  the  wound  of  the  left  hand. 

My  Lord,  Jesus  Christ!  I  humbly  adore  the  most 
sacred  wound  of  thy  left  hand.  I  render  thee  thanks 
for  that  cruel  pain,  suffered  with  so  great  love  and 
charity.  1  feelingly  compassionate  thy  torments,  and 
the  excessive  grief  of  thy  most  afflicted  mother.  By 
them  I  petition  thee,  to  deliver  me  from  the  pains  of 
hell,  and  grant  me  patience  and  conformity  to  thy 
blessed  pleasure  in  all  the  contradictions  of  this  pre- 
sent life.  1  offer  unto  thee  all  my  exterior  and  inte- 
rior sufferings,  in  satisfaction  for  my  sins,  which  have 
so  often  deserved  eternal  torments.  I  beg  thee  to  par- 
don all  my  enemies,  and  others  ill-affected  towards 
me.  Bless,  O  Lord!  the  sick  with  patience  and 
health,  support,  with  thy  assisting  grace,  all  those 
who  are  in  agonies,  that  they  may  not  perish. 

Our  Father — Hail  Mary — Glory  be,  &x. 

To  the  wound  of  the  right  hand. 
Mr  Lord,  Jesus  Christ!  I  humbly  adore  the  most 
sacred  wound  of  thy  right  hand.   I  render  thee  thanks 


BONA  MORS.  283 

for  that  cruel  pain,  suffered  with  so  great  love  and 
charity.  I  feelingly  compassionate  thy  torments,  and 
the  excessive  grief  of  thy  most  afflicted  mother.  1 
supplicate  thee  to  grant  me  a  firm  and  resolute  will, 
in  all  things  relating-  to  my  salvation.  Bless  me  with 
final  perseverance  in  gTace,  to  secure  the  enjoyment 
of  that  glory,  which  was  purchased  at  the  price  of  thy 
most  sacred  blood.  Grant  also,  my  Jesus!  speedy 
peace  and  repose  to  the  souls  in  Purgatory.  Cause 
thy  holy  servants  in  this  world  to  make  daily  progress 
in  perfection,  especially  those,  who  are  of  this  con- 
fraternity. 

Our  Father— Hail  Mary— Glory  be,  &c. 

To  the  wound  in  the  sacred  side 
Mr  Lord,  Jesus  Christ!  I  humbly  adore  the  most 
sacred  wound  in  thy  blessed  side,  rendering  thanks 
for  the  immense  love,  manifested  towards  us,  at  the 
opening  of  thy  inflamed  heart.  I  feelingly  condole 
the  affronts,  and  the  excessive  grief  of  thy  most  af- 
flicted mother.  Grant  me  pure  love,  and  perfect  cha- 
rity, that  loving  thee  above  all  tilings,  and  all  things 
in  thee,  my  miserable  soul,  by  the  assistance  of  thy 
holy  grace,  may  be  worthy  to  be  breathed  out,  in  the 
sacred  wound  of  thy  blessed  side.  I  humbly  beg  thee, 
dear  Jesus!  to  protect  thy  holy  Catholic  Church,  di- 
rect thy  governing  Vicar  upon  earth,  all  ecclesiastical 
orders,  and  secular  persons,  who  are  instrumental  in 
bringing  souls  to  do  their  duty.  Preserve  in  thy  hap- 
py service,  all  Christian  Kings  and  Princes.  Reduce 
into  the  way  of  salvation  all  those,  that  are  gone 
astray,  whether  through  malice  or  ignorance.     Bring 


284  BONA  MORS. 

under  thy  sweet  yoke  all  infidels,  heretics,  and  olhei 
enemies  of  thy  holy  name. 

Our  Father— Hail  Mary— Glory  be,  8cc. 

Let  us  pray. 

O  Loni),  Jesus  Christ!  God  of  my  heart!  by  those 
five  wounds,  which  the  love  of  us  inflicted  on  thee, 
succour  thy  servants,  whom  thou  hast  redeemed  with 
thy  precious  blood.     Amen. 

Most  merciful  Redeemer!  I  humbly  beseech  thee, 
by  the  unspeakable  torments,  and  the  immense  grief, 
which  thou  wast  pleased  to  suffer  for  me,  a  contemp- 
tible creature,  especially  when  thy  divine  soul  was 
bitterly  separated  from  thy  blessed  body,  that  thou 
wilt  secure  my  poor  soul  at  the  final  separation,  and 
confort  me  then,  as  thou  didst  the  good  thief,  saying 
to  me;  this  day  thou  shalt  be  with  me  in  Paradise. 
Amen. 

[Let  us  have  recourse  to  the  ever  immaculate  Vir- 
gin, Mother  of  God,  beseeching  her  to  protect  us  un- 
der the  shadow  of  her  wings,  until  the  wrath  of  God 
be  appeased;  and  to  obtain  for  us  true  contrition,  and 
perseverance  in  the  holy  grace  of  her  blessed  Son. 
"We  will  also  petition  for  what  each  one,  here  present, 
stands  in  need  of,  according  to  his  spiritual  or  tempo- 
ral necessities,  to  the  greater  glory  of  God.  To  merit 
these  favours,  we  will  pray  in  union  with  that  more 
than  seraphic  love,  wherewith  the  dolorous  Mother 
stood  under  the  Cross  of  bleeding  Jesus.] 

Stabat  Muter  dolorosa. 
UxnF.ii  the  world's  redeeming  wood, 
The  most  afflicted  Mother  stood, 
Mingling  her  tears  with  her  Son's  blood. 


BONA  MORS.  285 

A.s  that  stream'd  down  from  every  part, 
Of  all  his  wounds  she  felt  the  smart, 
What  pierced  his  body,  pierced  her  heart. 

Who  can  with  tearless  eyes  look  on, 
\Yhen  such  a  Mother,  such  a  Son, 
Wounded  and  g-asping",  does  bemoan? 

O !  worse  than  Jewish  heart  that  could, 
Unmoved,  behold  the  double  flood, 
Of  Mary's  tears,  and  Jesus'  blood. 

It  is  our  sins,  alas! — not  his, 

For  which  he  bleeds,  for  which  he  dies, 

1  n  this  atoning-  sacrifice. 

When  gTaves  did  open,  rocks  were  rent 
When  nature,  and  each  element, 
His  torments  and  his  grief  resent. 

Shall  man,  the  cause  of  all  his  pain, 
And  all  his  grief,  shall  sinful  man 
Alone,  insensible  remain? 

Ah !  pious  Mother,  teach  my  heart, 
Of  sighs  and  tears  the  holy  art, 
And  in  thy  grief  to  bear  a  part. 

The  sword  of  grief  that  did  pass  through 
Thy  very  soul,  O!  may  it  now, 
One  kind  wound  on  my  heart  bestow, 
(.treat  Queen  of  sorrows!  in  thy  train, 
Let  me  a  mourner's  place  obtain, 
With  tears  to  cleanse  all  sinful  stain. 
Refug-e  of  sinners!  grant  that  we 
May  tread  thy  steps,  and  let  it  be 
Our  sorrow  not  to  grieve  with  thee. 


286  BONA  MORS. 

Oh!  may  the  wounds  of  thy  dear  Son, 
Our  contrite  hearts  possess  alone, 
And  all  terrene  affections  drown. 

May  they  such  impressions  make, 
That  we  of  suffering  for  his  sake, 
May  joyfully  our  portion  take. 
Let  us  his  proper  badge  put  on, 
Let's  glory  in  his  cross  alone, 
By  which  he  marks  us  for  his  own. 
That  when  the  dreadful  day  shall  come, 
For  ev'ry  man  to  hear  his  doom, 
On  his  right  hand  we  may  find  room. 
Oh!  hear  us  Mary!  Jesus  hear! 
Our  humble  prayers,  secure  our  fear, 
When  thou  in  judgment  shalt  appear. 
Now  give  us  sorrow,  give  us  love, 
That  so  prepared  we  may  remove, 
When  call'd  to  the  blest  seats  above.  Amen 
V.  The  sword  of  sorrow  has  pierced  thy  soul. 
R.   That  out  of  man)'  hearts,  cogitations  may  be 
revealed. 

Let  us  pray. 

We  beseech  thee,  O  Lord,  Jesus  Christ!  thai  iLe 
blessed  Virgin  Mary,  may  effectually  intercede  foi-  us 
with  thy  clemency,  both  now,  and  at  the  hour  of  our 
death,  she,  who  at  the  hour  of  thy  passion,  had  her 
most  holy  soul  run  through  with  the  sword  of  sorrow; 
who  livest  and  reignest  with  the  Father,  and  the  Holy 
Ghost,  one  God,  world  without  end.  Amen. 

[Let  us  say  Our  Father,  and  Hail  Mary,  three  times, 
in  memory  of  the  three  hours,  our  deai  Redeemer  hung 


BONA  MORS.  287 

upon  the  cross,  and  apply  them  to  the  souls  of  the  de- 
parted of  this  confraternity.") 

Our  Father,  &c. 

[Let  us  also  say  an  Our  Father,  and  a  Hail  Mary, 
for  such  as  are  in  the  bmentable  state  of  mortal  sin.  ] 

Our  Father,  &c. 

[Let  us  again  say  an  Our  Father,  and  a  Hail  Mar)', 
for  him  or  her  of  this  confraternity,  that  is  to  die  next, 
that  he  or  she  may  lie  prepared,  and  depart  heartily 
fortified  with  the  holy  sacraments  of  the  Church.] 

Our  Father,  &c. 

[Let  us  dispose  ourselves  by  acts  of  perfect  contri- 
tion and  pure  love  of  God,  to  receive  worthily  the  be- 
nediction of  our  Lord  ami  Saviour  in  the  adorable 
sacrament  of  the  altar.] 

Merciful  Redeemer,  and  holy  God  of  infinite  pa- 
tience! great  is  rm  confusion  to  appear  in  thy  divine 
presence,  having-  so  frequently  postponed  thee,  the 
omnipotent  Creator  of  the  universe,  to  vile  and  con- 
temptible creatures.  I  am  a  miserable  worm  of  the 
earth,  who  utterly  detest  my  horrid  confidence  of 
sinning1  in  thy  most  pure  sight;  I  own  myself  a  noto- 
rious criminal,  and  I  plead  guilty  at  the  bar  of  thy 
dread  tribunal.  Thou  mightest  have  been  glorified 
in  thy  justice,  by  suddenly  striking-  me  dead,  and  by 
condemning-  me  to  eternal  flames,  for  base  indignities 
committed  against  thee.  But  thou  wert  pleased  to 
be  g-lorified  in  the  hig-h  prerogative  of  thy  mercy,  by 
calling-  me  back  to  repentance.  I  abhor  all  my  crimes 
of  thought,  word,  and  deed,  not  for  the  hope  of  re- 
ward, or  fear  of  punishment,  but  for  thy  own  sake, 
and  because  thou  dost  infinitely  abominate  them.  Oh! 
my  God  of  majesty  and  mercy !  look  upon  those  sacred 


288        LITANY  FOR  A  GOOD  DEATH. 

marks  in  thy  hands,  feet  and  side,  which  thou  retain* 
est  in  thy  glorified  body,  to  plead  my  pardon.  By 
that  tender  love,  which  induced  thee  to  create,  re 
deem  and  sanctify  me,  unite  the  abyss  of  thy  merits, 
to  the  abyss  of  my  misery.  I  declare  before  thy 
throne,  and  before  the  whole  court  of  heaven,  that  1 
freely  choose  to  die  here  upon  my  knees,  rather  than 
to  live  any  longer,  to  rob  thee  of  due  honour,  by  one 
mortal  sin.  My  heart  was  created  for  thee,  and  I  love 
thee  more  than  myself.  Every  respiration  coming 
from  me,  especially  the  last,  when  I  breathe  out  my 
soul,  shall  be  an  irrevocable  protestation  of  my  pure 
and  sincere  love  of  thy  divine  Majesty.  Sweet  Sa- 
viour of  perishing  mankind!  who  openest  thy  hand, 
and  fillest  every  creature  with  benediction,  give  me 
now,  such  a  blessing  as  thou  didst  bestow  on  thy  be- 
loved disciples,  when  ascending  in  triumph  from 
mount  Olivet,  that  I  may  live  and  die  in  this  happy 
disposition.  Amen. 

[When  this  exercise  is  performed  in  public,  it  is 
terminated  by  the  benediction  of  the  blessed  sacra- 
ment. ] 

THE  LITANY  FOR  OBTAINING  A  GOOD  DEATH. 

Lord  Jesus,  gracious  God,  Father  of  mercy!  I  pre- 
sent myself  before  thee  with  an  humble  and  contrite 
heart.  I  recommend  my  last  hour,  and  all  that  shall 
follow,  into  thy  hands. 

When  my  immoveable  feet  will  warn  me,  thatl  ^ 
my  course  in  this  life  will  soon  be  finished, 

When  my  eyes,  obscured  at  the  approach  of  L^ 
death,  shall  cast  their  dying  looks  towards  thee, 

When  my  lips,  cold  and  trembling,  will  pro 
nounce  for  the  last  time  thy  adorable  name, 


5 


LITANY  FOR  A  GOOD  DEATH.         289 


When  my  pale  and  livid  cheeks,  will  inspire 
the  beholders  with  compassion, 

When  the  cold  sweat  of  death  will  announce 
my  approaching-  end, 

When  my  ears  shall  be  about  to  close  to  every 
human  voice,  and  open  only  to  hear  the  irrevo- 
cable sentence  of  thy  justice,  which  will  sepa- 
rate me  from  the  number  of  the  living-, 

When  my  imagination,  agitated  by  dark  and 
terrifying-  phantoms,  will  be  plunged  in  cruel 
sadness, 

When  my  mind,  troubled  at  the  sig-ht  of  my 
iniquities,  and  by  the  fear  of  thy  justice,  shall 
contend  with  the  ang-el  of  darkness,  who  would 
hide  thy  mercies  from  me,  and  cast  me  into 
despair, 

When  my  weak  heart,  overpowered  by  the 
pains  of  sickness,  will  be  seized  with  the  horrors 
of  death, 

When  I  shall  be  surrounded  by  my  relatives 
and  friends,  lamenting-  my  sad  condition,  and  of- 
fering- up  to  thee  their  supplications  in  my  be- 
half, 

When  I  shall  shed  my  last  tears,  the  forerun- 
ners of  my  dissolution,  receiving-  them  as  a  tri- 
bute of  penance, 

When  I  shall  have  lost  the  use  of  my  senses, 
and  the  whole  world  shall  disappear  from  my 
new, 

When  the  last  sig-hs  of  my  heart  shall  force 
my  soul  from  my  body,  accepting-  them  as  ex- 
pressive of  a  holy  impatience  to  be  thine, 


290  DEVOTIONS  FOR  THE  SICK. 

When  my  soul  shall  be  on  my  lips,  departing-' 
from  this  world,  and  shall  leave  my  body  cold 
and  lifeless,  accepting"  the  destruction  ot  my 
being,  as  a  homage  paid  to  thy  divine  majesty, 

When  my  soul  shall  appear  before  thee,  and  I  £ 
for  the  first  time  behold  the  glory  of  thy  coun- 
tenance, oh!  that  it  may  not  be  then,  cast  from 
thee,  but  that  it  may  be  received  into  the  bosom 
of  thy  mercy,  to  sing  thy  praises  for  ever, 

Let  as  pray. 
O  God  !  who,  condemning  us  to  death,  hast  conceal- 
ed from  us  the  moment  of  its  occurrence,  grant,  that 
spending  all  the  days  of  our  lives  in  justice  and  holi- 
ness, we  may  have  the  happiness  to  breathe  our  last 
in  thy  love:  through  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord.  Amen. 


DEVOTIONS  FOR  THE  SICK. 

1.  If  you  are  attacked  by  any  considerable  illness, 
let  your  first  care  be  to  send  for  your  spiritual  physi- 
cian, and  settle  the  state  of  your  soul.  This  is  done 
much  better  in  the  beginning  of  sickness  than  after- 
wards, when  the  strength  of  the  fever,  or  the  qualities 
of  the  remedies,  may  render  a  person  absolutely  un- 
fit for  so  great  a  work.  Sickness  is  often  sent  us  a 
punishment  for  sin,  and  therefore  a  sincere  repen- 
tance and  confession  of  sins,  is  often  a  more  effectual 
means  of  recovery  than  any  other. 

2.  If  you  have  not  your  Will  already  made,  as  in 
prudence  you  ought,  let  this  also  be  done  in  the  be- 
ginning of  your  sickness,  that  having  settled  your  tern- 


DEVOTIONS  FOR  THE  SICK.  291 

poral  affairs,  you  may  apply  your  soul  without  distur- 
bance, to  the  spiritual. 

3.  Engage  your  best  friends  to  give  you  timely  no- 
tice if  your  distemper  be  dangerous,  and  not  to  flatter 
vou  with  hopes  of  life,  when  there  are  little,  or  no 
grounds  for  hopes.  Make  the  best  use  you  can  of 
that  time,  which  perhaps  is  to  be  your  last.  Allow 
but  few  visits,  nor  any  other  discourse  but  such  as 
may  be  for  your  soul's  profit. 

4.  Take  proper  care  for  the  discharge  of  your 
debts,  and  all  other  obligations  incumbent  upon  you; 
and  this,  as  much  as  may  be,  in  the  beginning  also,  of 
your  sickness.  Forgive  all  those  who  have  any  way 
injured  you,  and  ask  pardon  of  those,  you  have  in- 
jured. 

5.  Receive  your  sickness  from  the  hand  of  God, 
with  a  perfect  resignation  to  his  holy  will,  as  a  just 
punishment  for  your  offences.  Frequently  offer  your- 
self to  him,  and  beg  that  he  would  give  you  patience, 
and  sanctify  your  sufferings,  and  that  he  would  accept 
all  your  pains  and  uneasiness,  in  union  with  the  suf- 
ferings of  your  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  in  deduction  of 
the  punishment  due  to  your  sins. 

6.  Often  procure  some  friend  to  read  to  you  such 
prayers  as  are  most  affecting,  and  most  proper  for 
your  present  condition;  especially  the  penitential 
Psalms,  the  Litany,  acts  of  the  Love  of  God,  of  Pa- 
tience and  Resignation,  &c. 

7.  Have  the  crucifix,  or  a  picture  of  Christ  crucifi- 
ed always  before  your  eyes.  Think  often,  upon  his 
passion;  hide  yourself  in  spirit  in  his  wounds,  and  em- 
brace his  feet  with  all  the  affection  of  your  soul. 

8.  Aim  as  much  as  you  can,  at  a  penitential  spirit. 


292  DEVOTIONS  FOR  THE  SICK. 

during-  your  sickness.  Often  cry  to  God  for  mercy, 
and  make  frequent  acts  of  contrition  for  your  sins.  St 
Augustine  used  to  say,  that  no  Christian,  however 
innocent  his  life  may  have  been,  ought  to  venture  to 
die  in  any  other  state,  than  that  of  a  penitent. 

A  prayer  to  be  repeated  daily  in  sickness. 

Lord,  Jesus  Christ!  I  receive  this  sickness  with 
which  thou  art  pleased  to  visit  me,  as  coming"  from 
thy  Fatherly  hand.  It  is  thy  will,  it  should  be  thus 
with  me,  and  therefore  I  submit.  Thy  will  be  done 
on  earth,  as  it  is  in  heaven.  May  this  sickness  be  to 
the  honour  of  thy  holy  name,  and  for  the  good  of  my 
soul.  For  this  end,  I  here  offer  myself,  with  an  en- 
tire submission  to  all  thy  appointments:  to  suffer  what- 
ever thou  pleasest,  as  long  as  thou  pleasest,  and  in 
what  manner  thou  pleasest.  For  I  am  thy  creature, 
O  Lord!  who  have  most  ungratefully  offended  thee: 
and  since  my  sins  have  a  long*  time  cried  aloud  to 
heaven  for  justice,  why  shall  I  now  complain,  if  1 
feel  thy  hand  upon  me?  No,  my  God!  thou  art  just 
in  all  thy  ways.  I  have  truly  deserved  thy  punish- 
ments; and  therefore  have  no  reason  to  complain  of 
thee,  but  only  of  my  own  wickedness. 

Yet  rebuke  me  not,  O  Lord!  in  thy  fury,  nor  chas- 
tise me  in  thy  wrath;  but  have  regard  to  my  weak- 
ness. Thou  knowest  how  frail  I  am,  that  1  am  no- 
thing but  dust  and  ashes.  Deal  not  with  me,  there- 
fore, according  to  my  sins,  neither  punish  me  accord- 
ing to  my  iniquities;  but  according  to  the  multitude 
of  thy  most  tender  mercies,  have  compassion  on  me- 
O!  let  thy  justice  be  tempered  with  mercy?  and  let 
thy  heavenly  grace  come  to  my  assistance,  to  support 


DEVOTIONS  FOR  THE  SICK.  29,3 

me  under  this  my  illness.  Confirm  my  soul  with 
strength  from  above,  that  I  may  bear  with  true  Chris- 
tian patience,  all  the  uneasiness,  pains,  disquiets,  and 
difficulties  of  my  sickness;  and  that  I  may  cheerfully 
accept  them  as  the  just  punishment  of  my  offences. 
Preserve  me  from  all  temptations,  and  be  thou  my  de- 
fence against  all  the  assaults  of  the  enemy,  that,  in  this 
illness,  I  may  no  way  offend  thee.  And  if  this  is  to 
be  my  last,  I  beg  of  thee  so  to  direct  me  by  thy 
grace,  that  I  may  no  ways  neglect,  or  be  deprived  of 
those  helps,  which  thou  hast,  in  thy  mercy,  ordained 
for  the  good  of  my  soul,  to  prepare  it  for  its  passage 
into  eternity,  that,  being  perfectly  cleansed  from  all 
my  sins,  I  may  believe  in  thee,  put  my  whole  trust  in 
thee,  love  thee  above  all  things,  and  through  the  me- 
rits of  thy  death  and  passion,  be  admitted  into  the 
company  of  the  blessed,  where  I  may  praise  thee  for 
ever.  Jlmen. 


SHORT  ACTS 

Of  the  most  necessary  virtues,  proper  to  be  inculcated  in 

time  of  sickness. 

Lonn!  I  accept  this  sickness  from  thy  hands,  and 
entirely  resign  myself  to  thy  blessed  will,  whether  it 
be  for  life  or  death.  Not  my  will,  but  thine  be  done. 
Thy  will  be  done  on  earth,  as  it  is  in  heaven. 

Lord!  I  submit  to  all  the  pains  and  uneasiness  of 
this  my  illness.  My  sins  have  deserved  infinitely 
more.  Thou  art  just,  O  I  ord!  and  thy  judgment  is 
right. 

Lord!  I  offer  up  to  thee  all  tliat  I  now  suffer,  or 
25* 


294  DEVOTIONS   FOR  THE  SICK. 

may  have  yet  to  suffer,  to  be  united  to  the  suffering-:-. 
of  my  Redeemer,  and  sanctified  by  his  passion. 

I  adore  thee,  O  my  God,  and  my  all!  as  my  first  be- 
ginning1, and  last  end:  and  I  desire  to  pay  thee  the 
best  homage  I  am  able,  and  to  bow  down  all  the 
powers  of  my  soul  to  thee. 

Lord!  I  desire  to  praise  thee  for  ever,  in  sickness 
as  well  as  in  health.  I  desire  to  join  my  heart  and 
voice  with  the  whole  Church  of  heaven  and  earth,  in 
blessing  thee  for  ever. 

I  give  thee  thanks  from  the  bottom  of  my  heart,  for 
all  thy  mercies  and  blessings  bestowed  upon  me  and 
thy  whole  Church,  through  Jesus  Christ  thy  Son;  and 
above  all,  for  thy  having  loved  me  from  all  eternity, 
and  redeemed  me  with  his  precious  blood.  Oh!  let 
not  that  blood  be  shed  for  me  in  vain. 

Lord!  I  believe  all  those  heavenly  truths,  which  thou 
hast  revealed,  and  which  thy  holy  Catholic  Church 
believes  and  teaches.  Thou  art  the  sovereign  truth, 
who  neither  canst  deceive,  nor  be  deceived.  And 
thou  hast  promised  the  spirit  of  truth,  to  guide  thy 
Church  into  all  truth.  /  believe  in  God  the  Father 
Almighty,  &c.  In  this  faith  I  resolve,  through  thy 
grace,  both  to  live  and  die.  O  Lord!  strengthen, 
and  increase  this  my  faith. 

O  my  God!  all  my  hopes  are  in  thee:  and,  through 
Jesus  Christ,  my  Redeemer,  and  through  his  passion 
and  death,  I  hope  for  mercy,  grace,  and  salvation  from 
thee.  In  thee,  O  Lord!  I  have  put  my  trust.  O  let 
me  never  be  confounded! 

O  sweet  Jesus!  receive  me  into  thy  arms  in  this 
day  of  my  distress:  hide  mc  in  thy  wounds:  bathe  my 
soul  in  thy  precious  blood! 


DEVOTIONS  FOR  THE  SICK.  295 

I  love  thee,  O  my  God!  with  my  whole  heart  and 
soul  above  all  thing's:  at  least  I  desire  so  to  love  thee. 
O!  come  now,  take  full  possession  of  my  whole  soul, 
and  teach  me  to  love  thee  for  ever. 

I  desire  to  be  dissolved,  and  to  be  with  Christ. 

Oh!  when  will  thy  kingdom  come?  O  Lord!  when 
wilt  thou  perfectly  reign  in  all  hearts?  When  shall 
sin  be  no  more? 

I  wish  to  love  every  neighbour,  with  perfect  chari- 
ty, for  the  love  of  thee.  I  forgive,  from  my  heart,  all 
who  have  any  ways  offended  or  injured  me:  and  ask 
pardon  of  all,  whom  I  have  any  ways  offended. 

Have  mercy  on  me,  O  God!  according  to  thy  great 
mercy,  and  according  to  the  multitude  of  thy  tender 
mercies,  blot  out  all  my  iniquities. 

Oh!  who  will  give  water  to  my  head,  and  a  foun- 
tain of  tears  to  my  eyes,  that,  night  and  day,  I  may 
bewail  my  sins! 

Oh!  that  I  had  never  offended  so  good  a  God!  Oh! 
that  I  had  never  sinned!  Happy  those  souls,  that  have 
always  preserved  their  baptismal  innocence! 

Lord!  be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner.  Sweet  Jesus, 
Son  of  the  living  God!  have  mercy  on  me. 

I  commend  my  soul  to  God,  my  Creator,  who  made 
me  out  of  nothing;  to  Jesus  Christ,  my  Saviour,  who 
redeemed  me  with  his  precious  blood;  to  the  Holy 
Ghost,  who  sanctified  me  in  baptism.  Into  thy  hands, 
O  Lord!  I  commend  my  spirit. 

1  renounce,  from  this  moment,  and  for  all  eternity, 
the  devil  and  all  his  works:  and  I  abhor  all  his  sug- 
gestions and  temptations.  Suffer  not  this  mortal  ene- 
my, O  Lord  of  my  soul!  to  have  any  power  over  me, 


296  DEVOTIONS  FOR  THE  SICK. 

either  now,  or  at  my  last  hour.     Let  thy  holy  angels 
defend  me  from  all  the  powers  of  darkness. 

0  holy  Mary,  mother  of  God!  pray  for  us  sinners, 
now,  and  at  the  hour  of  our  death.  O  all  ye  blessed 
angels,  and  saints  of  God!  pray  for  me  a  poor  sinner. 

[In  a  long-  sickness,  the  following"  acts  may  be  read 
by  a  friend,  whom  the  sick  person  will  accompany  in 
heart.] 

An  act  of  Faith. 

1  believe  in  God  the  Father,  who  has  made  me  to 
his  own  image  and  likeness. — In  Jesus  Christ,  my  Sa 
viour,  who  has  redeemed  me  by  his  precious  blood.— 
In  the  Holy  Ghost,  who  has  sanctified  me  in  baptism. 

I  believe  the  holy  Catholic  Church,  and  whatever 
she  teaches,  as  received  from  Christ  and  his  apostles. 
Of  this  Church  I  profess  myself  a  member  at  present, 
and  thus  I  desire  to  die. 

In  profession  of  this  faith,  I  here  recite  the  apostles' 
creed,  /  believe  in  God,  &c.  All  this  I  understand  in 
the  sense,  our  holy  mother  the  Church  has  always  un- 
derstood it. 

Thus,  O  God!  I  believe;  increase,  I  beseech  thee, 
and  confirm  my  faith.  With  this  I  desire  to  appear 
before  thy  tribunal,  where  I  firmly  hope,  I  shall  see 
the  good  things,  thou  hast  prepared  in  the  land  of  the 
living. 

An  act  of  Hope. 

Thou  hast  prepared,  O  Lord!  everlasting  happiness 
for  those  that  love  thee.  But  how  can  I,  who  am  a 
most  grievous  sinner,  and  who  from  my  childhood 
have  ever  done  evil  in  thy  sight,  expect  a  part  in  th«« 


DEVOTIONS  FOR  THE  SICK.  297 

reward?  Ah!  my  God!  when  I  look  on  myself,  I  am 
terrified  with  my  sins,  and  see  there,  nothing"  but  rea- 
sons of  despair:  and  from  this  sense  of  my  own  un- 
worthiness,  I  here  declare  I  have  nothing-  of  my  own 
to  trust  to:  no,  my  God,  nothing-  of  my  own,  but  all 
my  hope  is  in  thee. 

I  confess,  therefore,  my  sins  are  many  and  grievous; 
but  still  I  trust  in  thy  mercy,  that  throug-h  the  merits 
and  passion  of  my  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ,  I  shall  ob- 
tain pardon  of  my  offences,  and  partake  of  the  g-lory 
of  the  blessed.  Thou  hast  said  it,  O  Lord!  that  thou 
wilt  cast  off  none  that  place  their  hope  in  thee;  be- 
hold I  hope  in  thee,  let  me  not  be  confounded  for 
ever.  Thoug-h  I  were  guilty  of  many  more  sins,  yet 
still  would  I  trust  in  thee,  for  thy  mercy  is  infinitely 
above  all  my  iniquity. 

Look  therefore  on  me  with  eyes  of  compassion,  and 
reject  not  the  petition  of  one  prostrate  at  thy  feet.  I 
am  dust  and  ashes,  but  behold  I  come  to  offer  thee 
the  passion  and  blood  of  thy  only  Son.  In  that  I  have 
an  infinite  treasure  of  mercy  stored  up  for  me:  he  laid 
down  his  life  for  sinners,  and  became  a  propitiation 
for  my  offences.  It  is  this  I  now  present  to  thee;  it 
is  on  this  and  thy  promises  I  ground  all  my  hope:  and 
since  I  have  this  to  depend  on,  I  will  never  despair, 
but  ever  preserve  a  firm,  and  lively  trust  in  thee.  Our 
Lord  is  my  lig-htand  mv  salvation,  whom  shall  I  fear? 
Our  Lord  is  my  protector,  and  nothing-  shall  hurt  me. 
Our  Lord  is  merciful,  and  full  of  compassion.  As  a 
tender  father  has  compassion  on  his  children,  so  will 
our  Lord  show  mercy  to  all  that  fear  him;  for  he 
knows  what  we  are,  and  of  what  we  are  made.  He 
is  sweet  and  tender  to  all,  and  his  mercies  are  above 


298  DEVOTIONS  FOR  THE  SICK. 

all  his  works.  He  gives  strength  to  the  weak,  raises 
up  those  that  fall,  comforts  the  afflicted,  and  pardons 
sinners.  O  God!  all  these  good  effects,  I  hope  thou 
wilt  at  present  work  in  my  soul,  and  so  watch  over 
me  that  nothing  necessary  for  my  salvation  be  want- 
ing to  me. 

An  act  of  Chanty, 

I  love  thee,  my  Lord  God!  and  it  is  my  hearty  de- 
sire to  increase  still  more  and  more  in  thy  love,  that  I 
may  love  thee  as  thou  hast  commanded,  with  all  my 
heart,  with  all  my  soul,  and  with  all  my  strength. 
Thou  art  to  me,  all  in  all;  and  out  of  thee  there  is  no- 
thing able  to  help  me,  or  worthy  of  my  love.  O  in- 
finite Goodness!  when  shall  I  perfectly  love  thee' 
"When  wilt  thou  wholly  possess  my  heart?  "When 
shall  I  be  entirely  thine  ?  O  let  that  happy  hour  come, 
when  thou  wilt  take  full  possession  of  my  heart,  that 
I  may  give  myself  wholly  to  thee.  Lord,  Jesus  Christ! 
thou  hast  bestowed  infinite  blessings  on  me,  through- 
out the  whole  course  of  my  life,  add  this  one  blessing 
more,  I  beseech  thee,  to  all  the  former,  that  I  may 
here  perfectly  renounce  all  the  unlawful,  vain,  and 
unprofitable  affections  of  this  world,  and  begin  now 
to  fix  my  heart  on  thee  with  a  pure  and  perfect  love, 
which  may  abide  for  all  eternity. 

I  love  thee,  O  Lord,  my  strength!  thou  art  my  de- 
fence, and  my  refuge,  thou  art  my  deliverer.  It  is 
g-ood  for  me  to  depend  wholly  on  my  God,  and  in  him 
to  put  my  trust:  for  what  is  there  in  heaven  besides 
thee?  and  out  of  thee,  what  have  I  to  seek  on  earth.1' 
As  the  hart  pants  after  the  fountains  of  water,  so  does 
my  soul  after  thee,  O  Lord!    My  soul  thirsts  after  my 


DEVOTIONS  FOR  THE  SICK.  299 

Lord,  the  fountain  of  living-  water;  when  shall  I  come, 
and  appear  before  the  face  of  my  God?  Into  thy 
hands  I  commend  my  spirit;  thou  hast  redeemed  me, 
O  God  of  truth!  Who  shall  separate  me  from  this 
love  of  Christ?  Shall  tribulation,  or  necessity?  Shall 
sickness,  or  anguish,  or  pain?  No;  all  these  I  hope 
to  overcome  through  Him  that  has  loved  us.  I  hope 
in  my  Redeemer,  that  neither  life,  nor  death,  neither 
things  present,  nor  things  to  come,  neither  flatteries, 
nor  fears,  nor  any  creature  whatever  shall  be  able  to 
separate  me  from  the  love  of  God,  which  is  in  Christ 
Jesus,  our  Lord. 

An  act  of  Patience. 
I  will  speak  to  our  Lord,  who  am  but  dust  and 
ashes,  and  as  the  shadow,  that  passes  away.  Remem- 
ber, Lord!  what  1  am  and  what  my  being  is:  remem- 
ber, thou  hast  made  me  as  clay,  and  into  earth  I  shall 
return  again.  Show  not  therefore,  thy  power  against 
me,  for  what  strength  have  I  to  bear  it?  And  how 
shall  I,  being" so  weak  as  I  am,  hold  out  with  patience? 
Why  tli  en  has  my  Lord  stretched  forth  his  hand 
against  me,  why  has  he  let  this  disorder  seize  upon 
my  spirits,  and  cast  me  on  the  bed  of  sickness?  But 
why  do  I  now  lift  up  my  head  against  heaven,  and 
appear  uneasy  under  the  decrees  of  the  Almighty? 
No,  I  will  rather  choose  to  say,  it  is  our  Lord  has 
given  health  and  strength,  it  is  our  Lord  has  taken  it 
away;  as  it  has  seemed  good  to  our  Lord,  so  it  is  done, 
blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord.  Thus  I  say,  my 
God!  thus  I  think:  thou  art  just,  O  Lord!  thy  judg- 
ment is  right,  I  have  deserved  far  greater  punish- 
ment than  this.  Were  I  to  be  my  own  judge,  and  the 


300  DEVOTIONS  FOR  THE  SICK. 

punisher  of  my  own  wickedness,  I  could  take  oft'  no- 
thing1 of  the  evil  I  now  suffer. 

I  acknowledge  in  what  1  feel,  the  hand  of  a  tender 
father,  chastising  a  rebellious  child;  it  is  not  the  arm 
of  a  severe  judge,  punishing  me  in  the  justice  of  his 
wrath.  But  however  this  one  thing,  O  merciful  Fa- 
ther! I  ask  of  thee,  that  thou  wouldst  remember 
what  I  am,  that  I  am  frail  and  weak;  that  of  myself  I 
can  do  nothing,  and  how  much  I  stand  in  need  of  thy 
grace,  to  support  and  comfort  me.  Grant  me  there- 
fore, I  beseech  thee,  strength  to  suffer;  give  me  pa- 
tience, for  this  is  necessary  for  me;  grant  this  my  re- 
quest, and  behold  my  heart  is  ready,  O  Lord!  my 
heart  is  ready  to  accept  whatever  thou  art  pleased  to 
lay  on  me,  and  ever  to  be  comforted  under  tin- 
scourge.  Let  it  be  the  effect  of  thy  mercy,  that  in 
patience  I  may  possess  my  soul.  For  this  end,  I  will 
often  look  on  the  face  of  thy  Christ,  that  by  consi- 
dering him,  who  suffered  so  much  for  me,  I  may  be 
encouraged  to  suffer.  He  became  obedient  unto 
death,  even  the  death  of  the  Cross:  but  as  for  me,  I 
have  not  yet  resisted  to  blood,  I  have  yet  suffered  but 
little;  but  how  much  shall  I  then  suffer,  when  the 
time  shall  come,  that  the  pangs  of  death  seize  upon 
me! 

O  God!  thou  art  my  strength,  and  my  refuge,  on 
thee  I  depend  for  help  in  the  day  of  battle:  thou  wilt 
then  try  me,  and  thou  must  be  then  my  comforter; 
thou  wilt  try  me  like  gold  in  the  furnace:  stand  thou 
ever  by  me,  and  forsake  me  not  in  my  necessities, 
that  so,  I  may  be  found  worthy  of  thee.  I  know  in- 
deed, the  sufferings  of  this  life  are  nothing,  if  com- 
pared to  that  glory,  which  shall  be  revealed,  in  us:  I 


DEVOTIONS  FOR  THE  SICK.  301 

know,  as  Christ  was  to  suffer  and  so  enter  into  glory; 
so,  if  a  christian  becomes  not  like  his  head,  if  he  pass 
not  through  great  tribulation,  he  shall  never  come 
into  the  place  of  refreshment.  Behold,  my  God!  I 
am  now  under  my  trial;  thou  art  pleased  at  present  to 
visit  me.  Preserve  me,  I  beseech  thee,  that  I  may 
hold  out  with  patience,  that  I  may  submit  to  all  with 
a  cheerful  heart;  and  that  thus  imitating  my  Lord  and 
Redeemer,  T  may  at  length  partake  of  his  glory. 

Jin  act  of  Resignation. 

O  etehxal  "Wisdom!  who  disposest  all  things,  thou 
hast  at  present  visited  me  with  this  distemper;  so 
order  it,  I  beseech  thee,  that  it  may  be  to  the  honour 
of  thy  name,  and  the  good  of  my  soul. 

O  Father  of  heaven !  from  whom  comes  every  good 
gift,  I  receive  this  sickness  as  from  thy  hands;  nothing 
happens  but  by  thy  appointment,  before  whom  are 
numbered  the  hairs  of  our  head;  thou  strikest  and 
thou  hcalest:  it  is  thou  that  givest  life,  and  thou  or- 
derest  death  to  seize  us;  but  whether  we  live,  or 
whether  we  die,  we  are  thine,  O  Lord !  we  are,  or  ought 
to  be  thine;  O  God!  make  me  thine  from  this  mo- 
ment; and  let  thy  will  be  now  done  in  me;  if  I  have 
received  good  things  from  thy  hands,  why  shall  I  not, 
with  patience,  submit  to  the  evil  thou  permittest? 
which  indeed  will  not  be  evil,  if  I  accept  it  as  a  just 
correction  of  a  child  from  thy  fatherly  hand;  for  then, 
even  these  very  evils  will  co-operate  to  my  good,  and 
be  for  the  advantage  of  my  soul. 

O  Lord!  I  am  thy  servant,  do  with  me  according  to 
thy  will:  who  am  I,  that  I  should  stand  out  against 
thee?  who  has  ever  resisted  thee  and  been  in  peace? 
26 


502  DEVOTIONS  FOR  THE  SICK. 

Uehold  I  am  as  clay  in  thy  hands,  turn  and  fashion  me 
as  thou  pleasest;  but  then  let  this  be  the  end  of  my 
suffering's,  that  I  become  a  vessel  of  honour. 

O  heavenly  Physician!  who,  by  thy  word,  healest 
all  the  distempers  of  the  soul,  and  of  the  body  too,  when 
it  is  for  our  good,  vouchsafe  to  command,  and  then 
my  soul  shall  be  healed.  Give  a  blessing"  to  the  reme- 
dies which  I  take,  and  I  shall  be  restored  to  health, 
for  my  hope  is  in  thee;  if  thou  buildest  not  up  this 
ruined  house  of  my  body,  in  vain  do  they  labour,  who 
undertake  to  repair  it.  But  if  this  be  not  thy  will, 
grant  me  then  an  humble  patience;  for  this  is  a  remedy 
that  never  fails. 

In  the  mean  time,  if  thou  art  pleased  to  afflict  me, 
and  by  bitter  and  disagreeable  potions  try  to  cure  my 
distempered  soul;  why  should  I  refuse,  and  be  against 
this  method?  Have  I  not,  too  often,  sinfully  indulged 
myself,  humoured  my  own  corrupt  inclinations,  and 
laboured  to  please  my  senses,  even  with  thy  displea- 
sure ?  And  if  now  thou  judgest  it  proper  to  cure  these 
evils  by  their  contraries,  and  to  let  self-denial  be  the 
remedy  of  self-love,  be  it  so,  O  Lord!  let  the  flesh 
suffer  and  perish,  so  the  spirit  be  safe.  It  was  to  hu- 
mour the  flesh,  that  I  have  been  drawn  into  sin,  let 
punishing  the  flesh  be,  now,  the  way  to  mercy  and  par- 
don. For  this  end  I  am  content  to  suffer,  O  God! 
Whatever  I  endure,  let  it  be  now  for  the  forgiveness 
of  my  sins;  only  stand  thou  by  me  with  thy  support- 
ing grace,  that  I  sink  not  under  the  scourge,  and  then 
ordain  what  thou  pleasest;  here,  burn  me,  here  cut 
ne,  but  spare  me  at  my  last  hour;  spare  me  for  ever; 
this  suffering-  is  but  for  a  moment,  the  next  life  will 
ze  eternal. 


DEVOTIONS  FOR  THE  SICK.  303 

[It  may  also  be  proper  to  read  leisurely  to  the  sick 
person,  the  history  of  the  passion  of  Christ,  or  some 
meditations  on  this  subject — the  miserere,  and  the 
other  penitential  psalms — devout  acts  of  contrition, 
&c. ;  but  not  too  much  at  once,  lest  his  mind  should 
be  fatigued.] 

A  prayer  before  Extreme  Unction. 

Thou  hast  mercifully  provided  remedies,  O  Lord! 
for  all  our  necessities;  grant  me  thy  grace  so  to  make 
use  of  them,  that  my  soul  may  receive  all  those  good 
effects  which  thou  hast  appointed  in  their  institution. 
Now  I  desire  to  be  anointed,  as  thou  hast  commanded 
me  by  thy  apostle;  grant,  1  beseech  thee,  that  by  this 
holy  Unction,  and  the  pr?vers  of  the  church,  I  may 
partake  of  that  spirit,  with  which  Christ  suffered  on 
the  cross  for  thy  glory,  and  for  the  destruction  of  sin. 
Give  me  true  patience  to  support  all  the  pains  and 
trouble  of  my  distemper;  give  me  an  inward  strength 
to  resist  all  the  temptations  of  the  enemy;  give  me 
grace  for  the  pardon  of  all  my  failings;  give  me  that 
true  light,  by  which  I  may  be  conducted  through  the 
shadow  of  death,  to  eternal  happiness;  and  if  my 
health  be  expedient  for  thy  glory,  let  this,  under  thy 
good  pleasure,  be  the  means  to  restore  it.  Behold  I 
approach  to  this  holy  ordinance  with  a  firm  faith  and 
confidence  in  thy  goodness,  that  thou  wilt  not  forsake 
^ie  in  this  time  of  my  distress,  but  that  thou  wilt  stand 
by  me  with  thy  grace,  and  defend  me  from  all  evil, 
and  now  prepare  my  soul  for  a  happy  passage. 

My  eyes  have  often  been  delighted  with  vanities, 
but  now  let  them  be  shut  to  the  world,  and  open  to 
thee  alone,  my  Jesus!  pardon  me  all  the  sins  I  have 
committed  by  my  seeing. 


304  DEVOTIONS  FOR  THE  SICK. 

My  ears  have  been  open  to  detractions,  profane- 
ness,  and  unprofitable  discourses;  let  me  now  g-ive 
ear  to  thy  word,  to  thy  commands,  and  thy  call;  and 
pardon  me,  O  Jesus!  all  the  sins  I  have  committed  by 
my  hearing-. 

I  have  taken  delight  in  the  perfumes  of  this  world, 
which  are  all  nothing-  but  corruptions;  let  my  affec- 
tions and  prayers  ascend  like  incense  in  thy  sig-ht, 
and  pardon  me  all  the  sins  I  have  committed  by  my 
smelling-. 

My  tongue  has  many  ways  offended,  both  in  speak- 
ing and  tasting;  now  let  its  whole  business  be  to  cry 
for  mercy;  pardon  me,  dear  Jesus!  all  the  sins  1  have 
committed  by  words,  or  by  any  excess  in  eating-  or 
drinking1. 

My  hands  have  often  offended  in  contributing-  to 
many  follies,  injurious  to  myself  and  my  neighbour; 
now  let  them  be  lifted  up  to  heaven,  in  testimony  of  a 
penitent  heart,  and  pardon  me,  O  Lord!  all  the  sins  I 
have  committed  by  the  ill  use  of  my  hands. 

My  feet  have  gone  astray  in  the  paths  of  vanity  and 
sin;  now  let  me  walk  in  thy  ways,  in  the  ways  thou 
art  pleased  to  lead  me,  and  forgive  me,  Lord!  all  the 
sins  I  have  committed  by  my  disordered  steps. 

I  have  given  admittance  to  impure  delights  in  my 
heart,  and,  to  please  my  senses  have  transgressed  thy 
law;  let  my  heart  be  now  the  temple  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  and  pardon  me  all  the  sins,  by  which  I  have 
banished  thee  from  my  heart,  and  defiled  my  soul. 

By  this  holy  anointing,  and  the  power  of  thy  grace, 
O  God!  forgive  me  all  my  sins,  and  convert  my  heart 
wholly  to  thee,  that  I  may  cheerfully  submit  to  death. 


DEVOTIONS  FOR  THE  SICP^.  305 

in  punishment  of  my  offences,  and  so  enter  into  thy 
eternal  rest.     Amen. 

After  Extreme  Unction. 
Heah  our  prayers,  O  God!  in  behalf  of  thy  servant; 
and  since  thou  hast  shown  this  mercy  to  hirn,  as  to 
admit,  him  to  the  helps  of  thy  church,  grant  he  may 
partake  of  the  effects  of  them,  even  those  which  thou 
hast  appointed  for  the  comfort  of  the  poor  souls  in  the 
day  of  their  distress.  Grant  him  a  full  discharge  of 
all  his  sins,  that,  whenever  he  shall  appear  before 
thee,  the  enemy  may  find  nothing-  against  him. 
Stand  thou  by  him,  we  beseech  thee,  and  be  his  pro- 
tector against  all  evils;  let  thy  grace  comfort  him,  and 
heavenly  strength  support  him,  that  however  he  be 
weak  of  himself,  yet  through  thy  assistance  he  may 
stand  in  this  day  of  trial,  and  cheerfully  submit  to 
whatever  thou  hast  appointed  for  him.  Restore  him 
to  health,  if  thou  knowest  it  expedient  for  him:  but 
if  thou  hast  ordained  it  otherwise,  grant  him  a  happy 
passage,  and  admit  him  into  the  number  of  the  bless- 
ed; through  the  merits  and  passion  of  thy  dear  Son, 
who  liveth  and  reigneth  with  thee,  in  the  unity  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 


PRAYERS, 

Proper  to  he  recited  by  the  assistants,  when  the  dying 
person  is  in  extremity,  and  unable  to  speak  for  him- 
setf 

Loan  Jesus  Christ!   we  beseech  thee  by  thy  bitter 
agony  and  prayer  in  the  garden,  that  thou  wouldst  be 
pleased  to  be  an  advocate  with  the  eternal  Father,  in 
26* 


306  DEVOTIONS  TOR  THE  SICK. 

behalf  of  this  thy  servant.  Lay  before  him  all  those 
drops  of  blood,  which  in  thy  anguish  of  spirit  flowed 
from  thy  body,  and  offer  them  for  the  remission  of  all 
his  sins;  that  so,  in  this  hour  of  extremity,  he  may  be 
discharged  from  that  hand-writing",  which  stands 
against  him,  and  from  all  that  punishment,  which  he 
fears  to  be  too  justly  due  to  his  sins. — Our  Father.— 
Hail  Mary. 

Loud  Jesus  Christ!  who  wast  pleased  to  suffer  death 
on  the  Cross  for  us,  we  beseech  thee  to  offer  up  all 
that  anguish,  and  all  those  pains,  which  thou  en- 
duredst  then,  and  more  especially  at  the  hour  of  thy 
death,  in  behalf  of  this  thy  servant,  that  they  may  be 
accepted  in  his  favour,  for  the  good  of  his  soul,  for 
the  obtaining  of  a  happy  hour,  and  for  his  release 
from  that  punishment,  which  he  deserved  for  his  sins. 
Our  Father. — Hail  Mary. 

Lord  Jesus  Christ!  who  hadst  such  love  for  man, 
as  to  become  man  for  his  salvation,  we  beseech  thee 
to  show  that  charity  and  goodness  of  thine  to  the 
eternal  Father;  let  them  appear  for  this  thy  servant, 
and  plead  his  cause,  that  by  thy  powerful  mediation, 
he  may  be  freed  from  his  sins;  that  he  may  be  safe  at 
the  hour  of  his  departure,  and  find  the  gate  of  life 
open  to  him. — Our  Father. — Hail  Mary. 

Lord  Jesus  Christ!  wrho  by  thy  precious  blood  hast 
redeemed  us,  we  beseech  thee  to  imprint  on  the  soul 
of  this  thy  servant,  the  memory  of  thy  most  sacred 
wounds,  that  having  them  in  his  sight,  he  may  be  en- 
couraged to  suffer  with  patience  and  resolution,  and 
be  armed  against  all  the  pangs  of  death.  Thus  let  him 
cheerfully  submit  to  all  the  difficulties  of  his  condi- 


DEVOTIONS  FOR  TH£  SICK.  307 

tion,  and  begin  even  here  to  be  united  to  thee  with 
a  love,  that  shall  never  end. 

Grant  him  now  to  partake  of  the  fruit  of  thy  holy 
incarnation,  of  thy  bitter  passion,  of  thy  glorious  re- 
surrection, and  admirable  ascension. 

Grant,  he  may  be  sensible  of  the  effects  of  thy  holy 
mysteries  and  sacraments,  and  of  all  the  prayers, 
which  are  offered  to  thee  by  the  whole  Church. 

Remember,  Lord!  that  thou  once  wast  in  the  straits 
of  death,  that,  in  thy  extremity,  thou  didst  call  out  to 
thy  eternal  Father,  commending"  thy  spirit  to  him, 
and  so  expiredst.  Behold  now,  this  thy  servant,  in 
his  anguish,  cries  aloud  to  thee;  stand  thou  by  him, 
defend  and  comfort  him  fti  his  distress,  and  receive 
his  soul  in  mercy. 

Remember,  O  Jesus!  that  thy  arms  were  stretched 
forth  upon  the  cross,  thy  side  was  opened,  and  thy 
sacred  head  bowed  down,-  have  regard  now,  we  be- 
seech thee,  to  the  soul  of  this  thy  servant,  which  de- 
parting  out  of  this  world,  seeks  refuge  in  thee.  Re- 
ceive it  into  thy  arms;  give  it  shelter  in  thy  breast, 
and  there  let  it  hide  itself,  secured  from  all  enemies, 
till  the  anger  of  God  pass  over.  Into  thy  hands  we 
commend  his  spirit,  which  has  been  created  and  re- 
deemed by  thee.  Despise  not,  we  beseech  thee,  the 
work  of  thy  hands. 

Christ  Jesus!  who  wast  crucified  for  our  redemp- 
tion, we  beseech  thee  by  that  love  which  brought 
thee  from  heaven,  to  have  compassion  on  the  soul  of 
this  thy  servant.  Forgive  him  all  his  sins,  aiH  by 
the  merits  of  thy  bitter  passion,  satisfy  ior  all  his  fail- 
ings, and  supply  his  defect.  Let  him  now  expe- 
rience the  multitude  of  thy  tender  mercies,  and  be 


308  DEVOTIONS  FOR  THE  SICK. 

sensible  how  good  his  Lord  is.  Dispose  now  his  soul 
by  thy  gTace,  that  he  may  be  prepared,  at  thy  call,  to 
go  forth  to  meet  thee.  Grant  him,  we  beseech  thee, 
true  patience,  and  perfect  resignation,  in  his  pains 
and  anguish.  Give  him  a  full  discharge  from  all  his 
sins;  confirm  his  faith;  strengthen  his  hope,  and  per 
feet  his  charity,  that  departing  hence,  his  soul  may 
be  received  into  thy  mercy.  O  dear  Redeemer!  by 
that  distress,  which  thou  sufferedst  on  the  cross,  when 
thou  criedst  out  to  thy  eternal  Father,  we  pray  thee 
show  mercy  to  this  thy  servant  in  his  extremity. 
Hear  the  sighs  and  desires  of  his  heart,  and  since  he 
cannot  now  speak  for  himself,  speak  thou  for  him, 
we  beseech  thee,  who  art* the  eternal  Word,  and  to 
whom  the  Father  will  refuse  nothing. 

By  thy  victory  over  death,  and  the  infinite  merits 
of  thy  passion,  we  beg  thee  in  behalf  of  this  thy  ser- 
vant, to  have  no  other  thoughts  but  of  peace,  of  mer- 
cy, and  comfort,  and  not  of  affliction.  Bear  him  up 
against  all  distrust  and  despair,  deliver  him  from  his 
difficulties,  and  be  his  comforter  in  his  distress.  Let 
those  hands,  which  were  once  nailed  to  the  cross, 
now  plead  for  him,  and  obtaining  his  pardon,  conduct 
him  into  thy  eternal  rest. 

THE  hecommexdatiox  of  a  soul  departing. 

Lotid !  have  mercy  on  us. 

Christ!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Holy  Mary ! 

All  ye  angels  and  archangels! 

Holy  Abel ! 

All  ye  choir  of  the  just!  /  O  ^ 


1ft 


DEVOTIONS  FOR  THE  SICK.  509 


Holy  Abraham! 

- 

St.  John  the  Baptist! 

St.  Joseph! 

A.11  ye  holy  patriaichs  and  prophets! 

St  Peter! 

St.  Paul! 

St.  Andrew! 

St.  John! 

All  ye  holy  apostles  and  evangelists! 

►a 

All  ye  holy  disciples  of  cur  Lord! 

.? 

All  ye  h«.ly  Innocents! 

St.  Stephen! 

St.  La'irence! 

i' 

All  j*:  holy  martyrs ! 

St.  Sylvester! 

r 

St.  Gregory! 

^^ 

St.  Augustin! 

All  ye  holy  bishops  and  confessors! 

St.  Benedict! 

St.  Francis! 

All  ye  holy  monks  and  hermits! 

St.  Mary  Magdalen! 

St.  Lucy! 

All  ye  holy  virgins  and  widows! 

„ 

All  ye  saints  of  God!  make  intercession  for 

him  (her.) 

Be  merciful;  spare  him  (her,)  0  Lord! 

Be  merciful;  deliver  him  (her,)  0  Lord! 

Be  merciful;  receive  him  (her,)  0  Lord! 

From  thy  anger, 

1  ffa 

From  the  danger  of  death, 

From  an  ill  end, 

ver  hi 
)OLo: 

From  the  pains  of  hell, 

From  all  evil, 

J 

*3 

310  DEVOTIONS  FOR  THE  SICK. 

From  the  power  of  the  devil, 

Through  thy  nativity, 

Through  thy  cross  and  passion, 

Through  thy  death  and  burial, 

Through  thy  glorious  resurrection, 

Through  thy  admirable  ascension, 

Through  the  grace  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  the 
comforter, 

In  the  day  of  judgment, 

We  sinners,  beseech  thee  to  hear  us. 

That  thou  spare  him  (her,)  We  beseech  thee  to  hear 
us. 

Lord!  have  mercy  on  us.  Christ!  have  mercy  on 
us.  Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Let  us  pray. 

Depaiit,  Christian  Soul!  out  of  this  world,  in  the 
name  of  God,  the  Father  almighty,  who  created  thee; 
in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ,  Son  of  the  living  God, 
who  suffered  for  thee;  in  the  name  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
who  sanctified  thee;  in  the  name  of  the  angels,  arch- 
angels, thrones,  and  dominations,  cherubim,  and  sera- 
phim; in  the  name  of  the  patriarchs  and  prophets,  of 
the  holy  apostles  and  evangelists,  of  the  holy  martyrs 
and  confessors,  of  the  holy  monks  and  hermits,  of 
the  holy  virgins,  and  of  all  the  saints  of  God;  let  thy 
place  be  this  day  in  peace,  and  thy  abode  in  holy 
Sion:  through  Christ,  our  Lord.  Amen. 

Gon  of  mercy,  and  of  goodness!  O  God!  who  ao 
cording  to  the  multitude  of  thy  mercies,  forgivest  the 
sins  of  such  as  repent,  and  graciously  remittest  the 
guilt  of  their  past  offences,  mercifully  regard  this  thy 
servant  N.  and  grant  him  a  full  discharge  from  all  his 


DEVOTIONS  FOR  THE  SICK.  31 J 

sins,  who  with  a  contrite  heart  most  earnestly  begs  it 
of  thee.  Renew,  O  merciful  Father!  whatever  has 
been  vitiated  in  him  by  human  frailty,  or  by  the  frauds 
and  deceits  of  the  enemy;  make  him  a  true  member 
of  thy  Church,  and  let  him  partake  of  the  fruits  of 
thy  redemption.  Have  compassion,  O  Lord!  on  his 
sighs,  have  compassion  on  his  tears,  and  admit  him, 
who  has  no  hope  but  in  thy  mercy,  to  the  sacra- 
ment of  thy  reconciliation,  through  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

I  recommend  thee,  dear  Brother!  to  Almighty  God, 
and  leave  thee  to  the  mercy  of  him,  whose  creature 
thou  art,  that  having  paid  the  debt  of  nature,  by  sur- 
rendering thy  soul,  thou  mayest  return  to  thy  Maker, 
who  formed  thee  out  of  the  earth.  When,  therefore, 
thy  soul  shall  depart  from  thy  body,  may  the  multi- 
tude of  holy  angels  meet  thee;  may  the  court  of  the 
apostles  receive  thee;  may  the  triumphant  army  of 
glorious  martyrs  conduct  thee;  may  the  crowds  of  joy- 
ful confessors  encompass  thee:  may  the  choir  of  bless- 
ed virgins  go  before  thee;  and  may  a  happy  rest  be 
thy  portion  in  the  company  of  the  patriarchs;  may 
Jesus  Christ  appear  to  thee  with  a  mild  and  cheerful 
countenance,  and  give  thee  a  place  among  those, 
who  are  to  be  in  his  presence  for  ever.  Mayest  thou 
be  a  stranger  to  all  that  which  is  punished  with  dark- 
ness, chastised  with  flames,  and  condemned  to  tor- 
ments. May  the  wicked  enemy,  with  all  his  evil 
spirits,  depart  from  thee:  may  he  tremble  at  thy  ap- 
proach, in  the  company  of  angels,  and  retire  into  the 
horrid  confusion  of  eternal  night.  May  thy  God  arise, 
and  thy  enemies  be  put  to  flight.  May  all  who  hate 
him  fly  before  his  face      Let  them  vanish  like  smoke; 


312  DEVOTIONS  FOR  THE  SICK. 

and  as  wax  before  the  fire,  so  let  sinners  perish  in  the 
si^ht  of  God;  but  for  the  just,  let  them  rejoice  and 
be  happy  in  his  presence.  May  all  the  ministers  of 
hell  be  filled  with  confusion  and  shame,  and  let  no 
evil  spirit  dare  to  stop  thee  in  thy  way.  May  Christ 
Jesus,  who  was  crucified  for  thee,  deliver  thee  from 
torments;  may  Christ  Jesus,  who  vouchsafed  to  die 
for  thee,  deliver  thee  from  eternal  death;  may  Christ 
Jesus,  Son  of  the  living"  God,  place  thee  in  his  garden 
of  paradise;  and  may  he,  the  true  shepherd,  own  thee 
for  one  of  his  flock;  may  he  absolve  thee  from  all  thy 
sins,  and  place  thee  at  his  right  hand,  in  the  inheri- 
tance of  his  elect. — We  pray  it  may  be  thy  happy  lot 
to  behold  thy  Redeemer  face  to  face,  to  be  ever  in 
his  presence,  and  in  the  vision  of  that  truth,  which  is 
the  joy  of  the  blessed.  And  thus  placed  among-  those 
happy  spirits,  mayest  thou  be  ever  filled  with  heaven- 
ly sweetness.  Amen. 

We  commend  to  thee,  O  Lord!  the  soul  of  this  thy 
servant,  and  beseech  thee,  Jesus  Christ,  Redeemer  of 
the  world!  that  as  in  mercy  to  him  thou  becamest 
man,-  so,  now,  thou  wouldst  vouchsafe  to  admit  him 
into  the  number  of  the  blessed.  Remember,  Lord! 
he  is  thy  creature,  not  made  by  strange  gods,  but  by 
thee,  the  only  true  and  living-  God;  for  there  is  no 
other  God  but  thee,  none  that  can  work  thy  wonders. 
Let  his  soul  find  comfort  In  thy  sight,  and  remember 
not  his  former  sins,  nor  any  of  those  excesses  into 
which  he  lias  fallen,  throug-h  the  violence  of  passion 
and  corruption.  For  although  he  has  sinned,  yet  he 
has  still  retained  a  true  faith  in  thee,  Father,  Son 
and  Holy  Ghost;  he  has  had  a  zeal  for  thy  honoir. 


DEVOTIONS  FOR  THE  SICK.  313 

and  faithfully  adored  thee,  his  God,  and  the  Creator 
of  all  thing-3. 

Remembeii  not,  O  Lord!  we  beseech  thee,  the  sins 
and  ignorances  of  his  youth;  but  according-  to  thy 
great  mercy  be  mindful  of  him  in  thy  eternal  glory. 
Let  the  heavens  be  open  to  him,  and  the  angels  re- 
joice with  him.  Receive,  Lord!  thy  servant  into  thy 
kingdom.  Let  the  archangel,  St.  Michael,  the  chief 
of  the  heavenly  host,  conduct  him.  Let  the  holy  an- 
gels of  God  meet  him,  and  bring  him  into  the  city  of 
heavenly  Jerusalem.  May  blessed  Peter,  the  apostle, 
to  whom  were  given  the  keys  of  the  kingdom  of  hea- 
ven, receive  him.  May  holy  Paul,  the  apostle,  who 
was  a  vessel  of  election,  help  him.  May  St.  John, 
the  beloved  disciple,  to  whom  God  revealed  the  se- 
crets of  heaven,  intercede  for  him.  May  all  the  holy 
apostles,  to  whom  was  given  the  power  of  binding 
and  loosing,  pray  for  him.  May  all  the  blessed  and 
chosen  servants  of  God,  who  in  this  world  have  suf- 
fered torments  for  the  name  of  Christ,  pray  for  him: 
that  being  delivered  from  this  body  of  corruption,  he 
may  be  admitted  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven;  through 
the  assistance,  and  merits  of  our  Lord,  Jesus  Christ, 
who  liveth  and  reigneth  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy 
Clhost,  world  without  end.  Amen. 

[If  the  sick  person  continues  in  distress  of  agony,  it  may  be  proper 
for  the  assistants  to  continue  in  prayer,  repeating  the  preceding  pray- 
ers, or  saying  the  penitential  Psalms.] 

JVlien  the  soul  has  departed,  the  following 
Responsory  is  to  be  said. 

Come  to  his  assistance,  all  ye  saints  of  God!  meet 
him,  all  ve  angels  of  God!  receive  his  soul,  and  pre- 
27 


314  DEVOTIONS  FOR  THE  SICK. 

sent  it  now  before  its  Lord.  May  Jesus  Christ  re- 
ceive thee,  and  die  angels  conduct  thee  to  thy  place 
of  rest;  may  they  receive  his  soul,  and  present  it  now 
before  its  Lord. 

Y.  Eternal  rest  give  to  him,  O  Lord!  and  let  per 
petual  light  shine  upon  him. 

R.   May  they  present  him  now  before  his  Lord. 

Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Christ!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Lord!  have  mercy  on  us. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

V.   And  lead  us  not  into  temptation. 

R.   But  deliver  us  from  evil. 

V.  Eternal  rest  give  to  him,  O  Lord! 

R.   And  let  perpetual  light  shine  upon  him. 

V.  From  the  gates  of  hell. 

R.  Deliver  his  soul,  O  Lord! 

V.   May  he  rest  in  peace. 

R.  Amen. 

V.   O  Lord!  hear  my  prayer. 

R.   And  let  my  supplication  come  unto  thee. 

Let  us  pray. 
To  thee,  Lord!  we  recommend  the  soul  of  thy  ser 
vant  N.  that  being  dead  to  this  world,  he  may  live  to 
thee:  and  whatever  sins  he  has  committed  through 
human  frailty,  we  beseech  thee,  in  thy  goodness,  mer- 
cifully to  pardon,  through  Christ,  our  Lord.  Amen. 

The  following  prayer  for    the   Assistants, 
may  be  added. 
GnAXT,  O  God!  that  while  we  lament  the  depar- 
ture of  thy  servant,  we  may  ever  remember,  that  we 
are  most  certainly  to  follow  him.     Give  us  grace  to 


PRAYERS  FOR  THE  DEAD.  315 

prepare  for  that  last  hour  by  a  good  life,  that  we  may 
not  be  surprised  by  sudden  death,  but  be  watching 
when  thou  shalt  call,  that  so  with  the  Spouse  we  may 
enter  into  eternal  glory:  through  Jesus  Christ,  our 
Lord.     Amen. 


PRAYERS  FOR  THE  DEAD. 

8.  prayer  upon  the  day  of  a  person's  decease. 
O  God!  whose  property  is  ever  to  have  mercy,  and 
to  spare,  we  humbly  beseech  thee,  for  the  soul  of  thy 
servant  N.  which  thou  hast  this  day  called  out  of  this 
world,  that  thou  wouldst  not  deliver  it  up  into  the 
hands  of  the  enemy,  nor  forget  it  unto  the  end:  but 
command  it  to  be  received  by  thy  holy  angels,  and  to 
be  carried  to  paradise,  its  true  country;  that  as  in 
thee  it  had  faith  and  hope,  it  may  not  suffer  the  pains 
of  hell,  but  possess  everlasting  joys:  through  our 
Lord,  Jesus  Christ     Amen. 

On  the  anniversary  day. 
O  Lord1  the  God  of  mercy  and  of  pardon!  grant 
to  the  soul  of  thy  servant  N.  the  anniversary  day  of 
whose  departure,  we  commemorate,  the  seat  of  re- 
freshment, the  happiness  of  rest,  and  the  brightness 
of  light:  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

A  prayer  for  one  lately  deceased. 
Absolve,  we  beseech  thee,  O  Lord!  the  soul  of  thy 
servant  N.  that  being  dead  to  the  world,  he  may  live 
to  thee:  and  whatever  he  has  committed  in  this  life, 
through  human  frailty,  do  thou,  of  thy  most  merv.ifu 
goodness,  forgive:  through  our  Lord,  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen. 


316    INSTRUCTIONS  ON  INDULGENCES. 

For  father  and  mother. 
O  God!  who  hast  commanded  us  to  honour  our  fa- 
thers and  mothers,  have  mercy  on  the  souls  of  my  fa- 
ther and  mother;  and  grant  that  I  may  see  them  in 
the  glory  of  eternity:  through  our  Lord,  Jesus  Christ 
Jmen. 

For  brethren,  relations  and  benefactors. 

O  God,  the  giver  of  pardon,  and  lover  of  the  salva 
tion  of  men,  we  beseech  thy  clemency  in  behalf  of 
our  brethren,  kinsfolks,  and  benefactors,  who  are  de 
parted  this  life,  that  by  the  intercession  of  the  bless- 
ed virgin  Mary,  and  of  all  thy  saints,  thou  wouldst  re- 
ceive them  into  the  joys  of  thy  eternal  kingdom, 
through  our  Lord,  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


INSTRUCTIONS  ON  INDULGENCES. 

An  Indulgence  is  a  releasing  of  the  temporal  pun- 
ishment which  often  remains  due  to  sin,  after  the  guilt 
thereof  and  the  eternal  punishment  have  been  remit- 
ted. Manifold  testimonies  of  holy  Scripture,  and  the 
constant  tradition  of  the  Catholic  Church,  demonstrate 
that  God,  in  the  general  dispensation  of  his  pardon  of 
sins,  leaves  some  satisfaction,  or  punishment  to  be  un- 
dergone either  here,  in  this  life,  or  hereafter,  in  pur- 
gatory. 

This  temporal  punishment  is  more  or  less  remitted 
by  virtue  of  Indulgences,  in  which  the  holy  Catholic 
Church,  our  Mother,  imparts  to  her  Children  the  su- 
perabundant satisfactions  of  Christ,  and  his  saints. 
For  it  is  placed  beyond  all  doubt,  that  the  satisfaction 
of  Christ  was   superabundant,   one  drop  of  whose 


INSTRUCTIONS  ON  INDULGENCES.     317 

blood  could  have  satisfied  for  the  sins  of  the  whole 
world.  It  is  not  less  certain,  that  the  satisfactions  of 
many  saints  were  more  than  sufficient  for  their  own 
sins,  especially  those  of  the  blessed  Virgin,  Mother  of 
God,  who,  although  she  never  incurred  the  guilt  of 
any  sin,  underwent  the  most  exquisite  afflictions  and 
sufferings.  Now,  the  all  good  and  just  God  could 
not  allow  those  treasures  of  satisfaction,  to  remain 
useless,  which  could  be  applied  with  great  advantage 
to  the  other  members  of  his  church.  He  therefore 
has  given  his  church  the  power  of  distributing  to  the 
faithful  these  spiritual  gifts,  according  to  their  respec- 
tive wants  and  merits;  and  this  distribution  is  effected 
by  Indulgences,  which  therefore  can  be  granted  by 
him  only,  who  has  received  from  Christ  the  govern- 
ment and  the  care  of  the  church,  together  with  the 
power  of  binding  and  loosing  the  faithful,  Matt.  xvi. 
19.  because  the  common  goods  of  the  church  can  be 
distributed  only  by  those  who  exercise  therein  a  pub- 
lic jurisdiction. 

The  use,  and  practice  of  Indulgences  comes  down 
from  the  time  of  the  Apostles.  2  Cor.  xi.  10.  St.  Paul 
grants  a  pardon  to  the  incestuous  Corinthian,  that  is, 
he  remits  the  remaining  part  of  the  punishment,  which 
had  been  laid  upon  him.  Hence  the  most  ancient  fa- 
thers, as  Tertullian,  St.  Cyprian,  Sec.  declare  in  many 
passages  of  their  writings,  that  bishops  used,  even  in 
their  times,  to  relax  the  severity  of  penance  with  re- 
gard to  public  penitents,  at  the  prayers,  and  entrea- 
ties of  the  martyrs  and  confessors.  Although  these  re- 
laxations were  not  precisely  made  in  the  form  of  our 
Indulgences  in  these  days,  they  were,  notwithstand- 
ing, a  true  remission  of  the  temporal  punishment  in- 
27* 


318     INSTRUCTIONS  ON  INDULGENCES. 

flicted  on  sin,  and  therefore  true  Indulgences.  Many 
vestiges  of  Indulgences  are  found  in  the  succeeding 
ages  of  the  church,  and  they  had  long  obtained  an 
inviolable  right  of  prescription,  when  Martin  Luther, 
and  other  protestants  thought  fit  to  reclaim  against 
them. 

An  Indulgence  may  be  plenary  or  partial.  A  ple- 
nary Indulgence  includes  all  the  punishments  to  be 
undergone  by  him,  to  whom  the  Indulgence  is  appli- 
ed, after  he  has  obtained  the  remission  of  his  sins.  A 
partial  Indulgence  remits  but  a  part  of  the  same  pun- 
ishment. During  the  first  ten  ages  of  the  church, 
when  the  penitential  canons  were  rigorously  observ- 
ed, partial  Indulgences  consisted  in  the  remission  of 
a  part  of  the  penance,  enjoined  by  the  canons; 
whence  it  happened  that  those  Indulgences  were  de- 
signated by  the  quantity  of  time,  of  which  the  pe- 
nance was  abridged;  so  that  we  still  say,  an  Indul- 
gence of  twenty  days,  of  forty  days,  of  a  year,  of  se- 
ven years,  &c. 

From  this  manner  of  speaking  we  are  not  to  infer, 
that  an  Indulgence  is  no  more  than  a  mere  exemp- 
tion from  canonical  penance,  and  the  remission  of 
nothing  real  in  the  sight  of  the  Almighty.  Such  an 
Indulgence,  so  far  from  being  salutary  to  the  faithful, 
would  be  prejudicial  in  the  extreme;  because,  by  de- 
terring them,  now.  from  offering  satisfaction  to  the  di- 
vine justice,  it  would  subject  them  in  purgatory  to 
much  more  terrible  sufferings.  Hence  no  Catholic 
can  doubt  but  that  Indulgences  avail  him  before  God* 
so  that  when  it  is  question  of  an  Indulgence  of  ten, 
or  of  a  hundred  days,  he  is  to  understand  a  remission 
of  so  much  of  the  temporal  punishment,   as  would 


INSTRUCTIONS  ON  INDULGENCES.    319 

have  been  obtained  by  undergoing"  the  same  propor- 
tion of  canonical  penance. 

Here  we  are  particularly  to  observe,  that  whilst  the 
church  with  a  pious  liberality  imparts  Indulgences  to 
the  faithful,  she  by  no  means  intends  that  her  chil- 
dren should  become  more  remiss  in  the  practice  of 
penance,  or  neglectful  of  satisfactory  works.  For  In- 
dulgences are  granted  only  to  such,  as  are  truly  con- 
trite, and  sincerely  penitent;  who,  consequently,  must 
be  prepared  to  make  satisfaction  to  God  by  good 
works.  Her  intention  is  only  to  help  our  weakness, 
and  to  supply  from  the  treasure  of  Christ's  satisfac- 
tion, whatever  may  be  wanting  or  deficient  in  ours. 
Now,  in  these  latter  times  of  increasing  impiety, 
heresy,  and  corruption  of  manners,  the  church  has 
been  more  profuse  of  her  gifts  and  Indulgences,  con- 
sulting our  wants,  rather  than  our  merits;  that,  where 
sin  abounded,  grace  should  abound  more;  and  that,  so 
liberal  a  dispensation  of  spiritual  goods,  might  kindle 
a  greater  fervour  in  the  breasts  of  Christians.  More- 
over, as  it  cannot  be  doubted  that,  in  consequence 
of  this  depravity  of  morals,  many  souls  are  detained 
in  purgatory,  and  suffer  most  severely,  it  was  thought 
proper  that  many  Indulgences  should  be  proposed  to 
the  faithful,  to  be  gained  in  behalf  of  the  souls  in  pur- 
gatory, and  applicable  to  them,  not  by  way  of  abso- 
lution or  jurisdiction,  but  only  by  way  of  prayer  or 
suffrage,  accepted  by  God,  whereby  their  sufferings 
may  be  lessened,  and  their  deliverance  accelerated. 

OF  PLZN'Alir  INDULGENCES. 

There  are  many  plenary  indulgences,  which  the 
faithful  may  gain  in  the  course  of  the  year,  or  even 


320  INDULGENCES. 

in  that  of  one  month,  which  we  shall  now  numerate. 
But  it  is  necessary  to  notice  beforehand,  that  on  the 
day  for  obtaining-  a  plenary  Indulgence,  three  things 
ought  generally  to  be  attended  to:  1st,  Confession; 
this  may  be  made  the  day  before  as  well  as  on  the 
•lay;  those  who  are  in  the  practice  of  confessing*  once 
a  week,  may  gain  several  plenary  Indulgences  in  the 
same  week,  without  being  obliged  to  make  a  confes- 
sion previously  to  each  Indulgence. — 2dly,  Commu- 
nion, which  is  to  be  made  on  the  day  for  gaining'  the 
Indulgence;  unless  it  is  otherwise  marked  in  the  grant 
of  the  Indulgence,  odly,  The  Prayer,  which  the  Sove- 
reign Pontiff  always  enjoins  on  the  day  of  the  In- 
dulgence. This  prayer  is  to  be  offered  for  the  exal- 
tation of  the  holy  Catholic  Church;  for  the  conversion 
of  infidels  and  heretics,  and  for  peace  and  union  be- 
tween christian  princes.  This  condition  is  sufficient- 
ly complied  with,  by  reciting  five  Our  Fathers,  and 
five  Hail  Marys,  for  the  intentions  above  mentioned. 

It  is  to  be  observed,  that  only  one  plenary  Indul- 
gence can  dc  obtained  on  the  same  day  for  the  per- 
son himself;  so  that  if  many  should  occur,  besides  the 
one  for  himself,  the  others  are  applicable  to  the  souls 
in  purgatory,  repeating  for  each  the  prayer  above 
mentioned. 

/  I. 

Indulgences  of  the  Confraternity  of  the  Sca- 
pular. 
This  association  belongs  to  the  order  of  the  blessed 
virgin  Mary  of  mount  Carmel.  Whoever  is  received 
into  it,  lias  his  name  inscribed  in  the  book  of  the  so- 
ciety, wears  the  scapular  constantly,  devoutly  recites 


INDULGENCES.  321 

the  prayers,  and  performs  the  other  good  works,  pre- 
scribed by  the  rules  of  the  confraternity,  may  gain  a 
plenary  Indulgence:  1.  On  the  day  of  his  reception. 
2.  On  the  feast  of  the  blessed  Virgin  Mary  of  mount 
Carmel,  the  16th  of  July,  or  on  the  following  Sun- 
day. 3.  On  the  feasts  of  the  Purification,  Annuncia- 
tion, Visitation,  Assumption,  Nativity,  Presentation, 
and  Conception  of  the  blessed  Virgin  Mary.  4.  On 
the  feasts  of  St.  Joseph,  St  Teresa,  St.  Ann,  St. 
Andrew  Corsinus,  St.  Mary  Magdalen  of  Pazzi,  St. 
Angel  M.  5th  of  May,  St.  Albert  7th  of  August.  5. 
Once  on  every  third  Sunday  of  each  month.  6.  At  the 
article  of  death;  provided  the  sick  person,  having  the 
scapular  on,  with  sincere  contrition,  if  Confession  be 
impossible,  devoutly  pronounces  the  most  holy  names 
of  Jesus  and  Mary. 

II. 

Indulgences  of  the  Confraternity  of  the  Ro- 
sary. 
This  confraternity  belongs  to  the  order  of  St.  Do 
minick.  If  those  who  are  admitted  into  it,  say,  at 
least  once  a  week,  the  whole  Rosary,  meditating  at 
the  same  time  on  the  mysteries  of  the  Life,  Passion, 
and  Resurrection  of  our  Lord,  Jesus  Christ,  they 
may  gain  a  plenary  Indulgence-  1.  On  the  day  of  their 
reception.  2.  On  the  first  Sunday  of  every  month, 
and  on  the  principal  feasts  of  the  blessed  Virgin 
Mar}';  provided  they  visit,  if  possible,  the  Church  or 
Chapel  of  the  Rosaiy.  3.  At  the  article  of  death.  Be- 
sides, they  gain  partial  indulgences,  every  time  they 
devoutly  recite  the  Rosary. 


322  INDULGENCES. 

m. 

Indulgences  of  the  crowns,  or  beads  of  the  blessed 
Virgin  Mary,  commonly  called  St.  Bridget's,  when 
blessed  by  a  Priest  specially  authorised  for  this  pur- 
pose. Whoever  has  these  beads,  and  prays  devoutly 
on  the  five  decades,  at  least  once  a  week,  may  gain  a 
plenary  Indulgence,  on  each  of  the  solemn  feasts  of 
Christ,  and  the  blessed  Virgin  Mary.  Also,  on  those 
of  St.  John  the  Baptist,  of  St.  Joseph,  of  the  holy 
Apostles,  and  at  the  article  of  death,  besides  many 
partial  Indulgences,  as  often  as  he  recites  the  beads, 
or  does  the  other  pious  works,  mentioned  in  the  next 
article.  They  who  recite  them  daily,  may  obtain  the 
plenary  Indulgence  once  a  month,  on  whatever  day 
they  may  choose. 

IV. 

Indulgences  annexed  to  Crosses,  and  holy  Medals, 
duly  blessed  by  a  specially  empowered  Priest,  are 
granted  to  whoever  piously  wears  those  Crosses  or 
Medals,  or  devoutly  prays  before  them,  whether  he 
recites  the  divine  office,  or  that  of  the  blessed  Virgin 
Mary,  or  the  seven  penitential  Psalms,  or  is  used  to 
teach  Catechism,  or  performs  other  works  of  piety. 
He  gains  partial  Indulgences,  and  may  gain  also  u 
plenary  Indulgence  on  the  great  festivals  of  our  Lord, 
and  of  the  blessed  Virgin  Mary.  Pius  VI.  confirmed 
this  concession  in  1775. 

V. 

Indulgences  of  the  Confraternity  of  the  blessed 
Sacrament.  Whoever  is  duly  admitted  into  it,  by 
spending  one  hour,  at  least,  in  a  year,  in  devout  pray- 
er before  the  blessed  Sicrament,  on  the  day  which  he 


INDULGENCES.  323 

may  choose.  On  that  day,  of  the  first  Thursday  of 
eveiy  month,  and  at  the  article  of  death,  he  may  gain 
a  plenary  Indulgence. 

VI. 

Indulgences  of  the   confraternity  of  the    sacred 
Heart  of  Jesus.     It  is  like  the  foregoing1  with  this 
only  exception,  that  the  first  Friday  of  every  month 
is  assigned,  instead  of  the  first  Thursday. 
VII. 

Whoever  devoutly  recites  the  following  Trisagium; 
Holy,  Holy,  Holy  Lord  God  of  armies/  all  the  earth  is 
full  of  his  glory.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,-  Glory  be  to 
the  Son,-  Glory  be  to  the  Holy  Ghost;  may  gain  every 
day  an  Indulgence  of  one  hundred  days,  (which  may 
be  gained  three  times  a  day,  during  the  octave  of  the 
Holy  Trinity,  and  on  every  Sunday,)  and  a  plenary 
Indulgence  on  one  day  at  his  choice  in  every  month, 
if  he  daiiy  recites  the  same  prayer. 
VIII. 

Whoever  devoutly  repeats  the  following:  Eternal 
praise  and  thanksgiving  to  the  most  holy  and  most  di- 
vine Sacrament:  may  gain  every  day  an  Indulgence 
of  one  hundred  days:  (the  same  may  be  gained  three 
times  a  day  within  the  octave  of  Corpus  Christi,  and 
on  every  Thursday  throughout  the  year,)  and  if  the 
same  be  recited  daily,  a  plenary  Indulgence  may  be 
obtained,  once  a  month,  on  any  day  at  one's  choice. 
IX. 

Whoever  devoutly  pronounces  the  following  aspi- 
ration: May  the  most  just,  the  most  high,  and  the  most 
amiable  will  of  God  be  in  all  things  fulfilled,  praised, 
and  exalted  above  all,  for  ever;  gains  the  Indulgences 
granted  in  the  two  preceding  articles. 


324  INDULGENCES. 

X. 

Whoever  devoutly  pronounces  the  acts  of  Faith, 
IIope,  and  Charity,  expressing-  in  them  the  special 
motive  of  each  of  these  virtues,  gains  a  partial  indul- 
gence of  seven  years  and  seven  times  forty  days;  and 
should  he  recite  them  daily,  he  may  gain  a  plenary 
Indulgence  once  a  month,  on  any  day  at  his  option. 
XI. 

Whoever  recites  at  least  once  in  the  day,  that  is, 
cither  in  the  morning,  at  noon,  or  towards  night,  the 
prayer  called  Angelas  Domini,  in  honour  of  our  Sa- 
viour's Incarnation  in  the  womb  of  the  blessed  Vir- 
gin, at  the  sound  of  a  church-bell,  gains  an  Indul- 
gence for  one  hundred  days  each  time;  and  a  plenary 
Indulgence  once  a  month,  if  he  recites  it  every  day. 

N.  B.  This  prayer  is  to  be  recited  kneeling  on  week 
days,  but  standing,  on  Sundays,  beginning  from  noon 
on  Saturday.  During  Easter  time,  the  antiphon  Re- 
gina  Cceli,  is  substituted  to  the  Angelus,  and  always 
recited  standing. 

XII. 

Whoever  spends  one  half,  or  one  quarter  of  an 
hour  in  mental  prayer  or  meditation,  gains  an  Indul- 
gence of  seven  years,  and  seven  times  forty  days, 
every  day;  he  may  gain  a  plenary  Indulgence  once  a 
month.  The  same  Indulgences  are  granted  both  to 
those,  who  teach  the  method  of  mental  prayer,  and  to 
those,  who  receive  their  instruction. 
XIII. 

If  three  persons  associate  together  in  honour  of  the 
most  holy  Trinity,  of  the  Incarnation  of  the  divine 
word,  and  of  the  blessed  Virgin,  Mother  of  God,  to 
recite  jointly  or  separately  seven  times,  Glory  be  to  the 


INDULGENCES.  325 

Fattier,  &c.  and  once  Hail  Mary,  &c.  three  times  a 
day,  viz.  morning",  noon,  and  evening":  they  g-ain  an 
Indulgence  of  one  hundred  days,  each  day  of  the 
week;  of  seven  years  and  seven  times  forty  days  on 
each  Sunday;  and  should  they  daily  repeat  them,  a 
plenary  Indulgence  twice,  each  month,  on  two  Sun- 
days of  their  choice. 

XIV. 
Whoever  recites  in  honour  and  memory  of  the  B. 
V.  Mary  and  the  Saints,  in  the  morning",  Salve  Begina, 
or  Hail  holy  queen,  &c.  with  these  versicles:  Vouchsafe 
that  I  may  praise  thee,  0  blessed  Virgin!  give  me 
strength  against  thy  enemies.  Blessed  is  God  in  his 
Saints,-  and  in  the  evening":  We  fly  to  thy  patronage, 
&c.  with  the  versicles  as  above,  gains  the  same  In- 
dulgence  as  in  the  preceding  article. 

XV. 

A  plekaut  Indulgence  applicable  to  the  souls  in . 
purgatory,  may  be  obtained  by  devoutly  reciting  the 
prayer,   "  O  bountiful  and  most  sweet  Jesus,"  (p. 
275.)  and  fulfilling  the  other  requisite  conditions,  of: 
confession,  communion,  &c. 

XVI. 

A  plexaht  Indulgence  may  be  obtained  in  the. 
Diocese  of  Baltimore,  on  the  following  days:  1.  From 
Christmas  Eve  to  Epiphany.  2.  From  the  first  Sunday. 
in  Lent  to  the  second  inclusively.  3.  From  Passion- 
Sunday  to  Low-Sunday  inclusively,  excepting  GoocLr 
Friday  and  Holy-Saturday.  4.  From  Whit-Sunday  to 
the  end  of  the  octave  of  Corpus  Christi.  5.  On  the 
five  great  festivals  of  the  blessed  Virgin  Mary  with 
their  octaves.  6.  On  the  festivals  of  Sts.  Peter  and 
28 


E26  INDULGENCES. 

Paul,  of  St.  Michael  the  Archangel,  and  within  their 
octaves. 

N.  B.  All  the  foregoing"  Indulgences  may  be  appli- 
ed to  the  Souls  of  purgatory,  by  way  of  prayer  or  suf- 
frage, excepting  Nos.  xn.  xm.  and  xit. 

OF    PARTIAL  INDULGENCES. 

There  are  many  partial  Indulgences  granted  by 
the  Sovereign  Pontiffs,  besides  those  alreidy  men- 
tioned; the  most  remarkable  of  which  are: 

1.  Five  years  and  five  times  forty  days  Indulgence, 
for  those,  who  piously  accompany  the  blessed  Sacra- 
ment to  the  houses  of  the  sick;  and  one  hundred  days 
to  those  who,  not  being  able  to  do  so,  will  say  the 
Lord's  prayer,  and  the  Angelical  salutation  for  the  sick 
person. 

2.  One  hundred  days  Indulgence  to  those,  who  sa- 
lute each  other,  the  one  saying,  Praised  be  Jesus 
Christ,-  the  other  answering:  Amen,  or  always,  or  for 
ever.  To  those,  who  have  generally  used  this  form  of 
salutation  during  their  life,  a  plenary  Indulgence  is 
granted  at  the  article  of  death.  The  like  Indulgences 
are  imparted  to  those,  who  teach  others  this  holy 
practice. 

3.  Three  hundred  days  Indulgence  to  those,  who 
recite  with  devotion  the  Litany  of  the  holy  name  of 
Jesus;  also  an  Indulgence  of  two  hundred  days  to  those 
who  devoutly  say  the  Litany  of  the  blessed  Virgin. 

4.  One  hundred  days  Indulgence  to  those,  who 
pronounce  with  fervour  the  following  prayer:  Bless- 
ed be  the  most  pure,  and  immaculate  Conception  of  the 
most  blessed   Virgin  Mar)/. 

5.  One  hundred  days  to  those,  who  devoutly  say 
towards  night,  the  Psalm  Be  profundis. — Out  of  the 


PIOUS  REFLECTIONS.  327 

depths,  &c.  with  the  versicle,  Eternal  rest,  &c.  for  the 
souls  detained  in  purg-atory. 

6.  One  hundred  days  to  those,  who,  on  Fridays 
about  three  o'clock,  say  five  Our  Fathers,  and  five 
Hail  Marys,  with  devotion  for  the  conversion  of  sin- 
ners. 

7.  Fifty  days  to  those,  who  devoutly  pray  for  those 
who  are  in  the  agony  of  death,  saying"  at  least  one 
Our  Father  and  Hail  Mary,  or  the  Salve  Regina. 

8.  Twenty -five  days  to  those,  who  devoutly  pro- 
nounce the  holy  name  of  Jesus,  or  Mary;  thirty  days 
to  those  who  reverently  bow  their  head  at  the  Gloria 
Patri,  &c.;  twenty  days  to  those  who  do  the  same  to 
the  holy  names  of  Jesus,  or  Man*;  also,  forty  days  to 
those,  who  kiss  the  Cross  with  sentiments  of  devotion. 


PIOUS  REFLECTIONS   FOR    EVERY   DAY   IN 
THE  MONTH.* 

THE    FIRST    DAT. 

Faith. 

1.  All  that  Faith  teaches,  is  founded  on  the  autho- 
rity of  God's  word.  It  is  from  Christ  himself  that  the 
Church  has  learned  whatever  she  proposes  to  the 
faithful,  as  the  object  of  their  belief.  One  cannot  go 
astray  when  truth  itself  is  the  guide;  and  there  is 
nothing-  more  reasonable,  than  to  submit  reason  to 
Faith. 

2.  Of  what  use  is  faith  to  a  Christian,  if  it  be  not 
the  rule  of  his  conduct ?  It  is  the  most  consummate 
folly  to  doubt  of  a  doctrine,  which  God  has  revealed, 

*  By  the  Rev.  F.  Bcuhours. 


328  PIOUS  INFLECTIONS. 

which  so  many  martyrs  have  sealed  with  their  blood, 
which  has  been  confirmed  by  so  many  miracles, 
which  the  devils  themselves  have  so  often  confessed; 
but,  it  is  a  much  greater  folly  to  believe  this  doctrine 
true,  and  to  live  as  if  it  were  supposed  to  be  false. 
Not  to  live  conformably  to  our  belief,  is  to  believe 
just  as  the  damned  do. 

3.  Faith,  then,  shall  be  henceforth  the  principle  of 
my  actions,  and  the  rule  of  my  life.  Whatever  it  con- 
demns, I  also  absolutely  condemn,  in  spite  of  my  na- 
tural repugnance.  I  will  oppose  the  maxims  of  the 
gospel,  to  those  of  the  world,  whenever  the  occasion 
offers.  What  does  the  world  say? — That  we  must 
follow  our  inclinations,  that  we  must  suffer  nothing, 
&.c.  What  does  Jesus  Christ  say? — He  says  the  very 
contrary;  but  who  is  right,  Jesus  Christ,  or  the  world? 

[Thank  God  for  your  being  in  the  Church,  and  say 
the  Creed  slowly,  as  a  solemn  profession  of  your 
Faith.] 

"  O  Lord!  increase  our  Faith.'5     LuJce,  xvii.  5. 

"  What  doth  it  avail  to  believe  like  a  Catholic,  and 
to  live  like  a  heathen?"     Peter  Dam. 

SECOXD    DAT. 

The  end  of  Man. 

1.  God  alone  is  our  last  end.  He  could  not  create 
us  except  for  himself.  Our  hearts  tell  us,  that  we  are 
made  for  him;  we  cannot  disown  it  without  belying 
ourselves. 

2.  Every  one  should  have  what  belongs  to  him;  let 
us,  then,  give  ourselves  to  God,  since  it  is  he,  that 
has  a  right  over  us.  If  we  be  not  his  of  our  own  ar- 
cord,  as  his  children,  we  must  be  his  in  spite  nf  us 


PIOUS  REFLECTIONS.  329 

as  his  slaves.  We  must,  of  necessity,  live  under  the 
dominion  of  either  his  justice  or  his  bounty. — Which 
side  shall  we  take? 

3.  Every  thing-  should  tend  to  its  proper  object,  and 
act  according"  to  its  nature.  If  the  sun,  which  is 
made  to  shine,  refused  its  light  to  the  world,  it  would 
be  a  monster  in  the  universe.  That  heart  is  not  less 
monstrous,  which  being-  made  for  God,  doth  still  re- 
fuse to  belong-  to  him.  Do  I  behave  myself  as  a  crea- 
ture, which  belong-s  only  to  God?  Are  all  my  thoug-hts — 
are  all  my  actions  directed  to  him?  Ah!  how  little 
do  I  do,  that  may  be  said  to  be  truly  done  for  God"* 
What  am  I  doing-  in  this  world,  if  I  forg-et  that  only 
affair  for  which  I  came  into  it. 

[Make  here  a  resolution  of  seeking-  God  alone,  and 
of  depriving*  him  of  nothing-  which  he  has  a  right  to.] 

"Thou  art  my  Lord  and  my  God."  John,  xx.  28. 

"  He  requires  you  entirely,  who  hath  made  you  en- 
tirely." St.  Austin. 

THIRD  DAT. 

Contempt  for  the  World. 

1.  Frox  the  moment  we  are  attached  to  the  world, 
we  cease,  in  some  measure,  to  be  Christians.  This 
profane  world,  so  passionately  fond  of  grandeur,  of 
pleasure,  of  every  thing-  that  can  flatter  self-love,  is 
the  capital  enemy  of  Jesus  Christ  Their  maxims, 
their  commandments,  their  interests,  are  opposite. 
They  cannot  both  be  obeyed;  we  must  break  oft"  with 
one  or  with  the  other. 

2.  We  cannot  take  part  with  the  world,  without  a 
breach  of  the  promises  we  made  at  our  baptism; 
when  we  renounced  Satan  and  his  pomps,  we  bouud 

28* 


330  PIOUS  REFLECTIONS. 

ourselves  down,  by  solemn  oath,  to  trample  undo) 
foot,  whatever  is  greatest  in  the  esteem  of  worldlings. 
What  perfidy!  what  a  sacrilege!  to  prefer  the  goods 
of  the  earth  to  those  of  heaven,  and  to  become  idol- 
aters of  vanity. 

3 .  The  world  has  nothing  worthy  of  an  immortal 
soul;  it  has  not  even  wherewith  to  requite  its  most 
devoted  servants.  Its  treasures,  its  amusements,  its 
honours,  may  occupy  and  disturb  the  heart  of  man, 
but  they  cannot  satisfy  it  They  are  in  reality  but 
false  goods,  vain  shades  and  illusions;  or,  to  speak 
more  properly,  they  are  real  evils — they  make  a  man 
wicked,  they  cannot  make  him  happy.  The  most 
brilliant  fortune  is  not  only  frail  and  dangerous,  but 
is  often  a  source  of  the  most  painful  uneasiness. — 
There  are  sighs  and  sufferings  upon  the  throne,  as 
well  as  in  chains  and  dungeons. 

[Beg  of  God  to  destroy  in  you  the  spirit  of  the 
world,  and  to  give  you  strength  to  despise  its  allure- 
ments.] 

"  The  fashion  of  this  world  passeth  away."  1  Cor. 
vii.  31. 

"Wo  to  those,  who  adhere  to  what  is  transitory, 
because,  with  those  things,  they  themselves  must  pass 
ft  way." 

FOURTH    DAT. 

Death. 
1.  A  Christian  has  great  reason  to  be  afraid  of 
death,  when  he  does  not  live  as  a  Christian.  What  a 
dreadful  account  must  he  give,  after  a  worldly  and 
sensual  life! — What  bitter  regret,  to  have  lost  the  op- 
portunities of  saving  himself!     To  die  an  enemy  of 


PIOUS  REFLECTIONS.  331 

God! — O  dismal  death!  O  dreadful  moment!  which 
concludes  the  pleasures  of  time,  to  beg-in  the  pains  of 
eternity. 

2.  "What  would  we  wish  to  have  done,  at  the  hour 
of  death?  Let  us  do  at  present,  what,  then,  we  would 
be  glad  to  have  done.  There  is  no  time  to  lose:  every 
moment  may  be  the  last  of  our  life.  The  longer  we 
have  lived,  the  nearer  we  approach  to  the  grave.  Our 
death  is  not  the  less  certain,  because  it  has  been  put 
off. 

3.  "What  will  our  opinion  of  this  earth  be,  when  we 
are  forced  to  quit  it?  Let  us  now  take  advice  from 
death;  it  is  a  faithful  counsellor — it  will  not  deceive 
us.  "What  will  become  of  this  beauty,  this  money,  this 
pleasure,  this  honour?  What  are  they  thought  of  at 
the  hour  of  death?  In  our  life -time,  appearances  de- 
ceive us;  at  our  death,  we  shall  see  all  thing's  as  they 
are.  Man,  while  alive,  esteems  the  world;  man  dying, 
despises  it.  But  which  should  we  reasonably  believe — 
man  living,  or  man  at  the  point  of  death?  Ah,  how 
trifling  will  the  world  appear  at  the  light  of  that  torch, 
which  faintly  glimmers  near  the  bed  of  death!  but, 
alas!  it  will  then,  be  no  longer  time  to  undeceive  our- 
selves. 

[Think  seriously  on  what  you  chiefly  apprehend, 
were  you  to  die  this  moment,  and  regulate  it  imme- 
diately. Accustom  yourself  to  perform  every  action, 
as  if  you  were  to  die  instantly  after  it.  Above  all 
tilings,  observe  this  practice  in  the  use  of  the  Sacra- 
ments. ] 

"  There  is  but  one  step  between  me  and  death."  1 
Kings,  xx.  3. 

"  There  is  no  to-morrow  for  a  Christian."  Tertullian, 


332  PIOUS  REFLECTIONS. 


PIFTH    DAT. 


The  last  Judgment. 

1.  I  must  one  day  appear  before  the  tribunal  of 
Jesus  Christ,  to  be  there  judged  upon  the  good  01 
the  evil,  I  shall  have  done.  There  is  nothing  more 
formal,  nor  more  express  in  the  gospel,  than  this 
truth.  I  believe  it  as  firmly,  as  if  the  last  trumpet 
had  already  sounded  to  call  up  all  the  dead. 

2.  What  shall  we  say  at  the  sight  of  so  many  bad 
thoughts,  of  so  many  criminal  actions,  of  so  many 
graces  despised?  O  what  a  terrible  day,  is  the  day  of 
God's  wrath!  Where  the  inmost  recesses  of  the  heart 
shall  be  openly  exposed — where  every  fault  shall  be 
strictly  examined!  The  just  themselves  shall  be 
hardly  found  just.  What  then  must  become  of  un 
happy  sinners? 

3.  What  sentence  must  an  impenitent  sinner  ex- 
pect from  an  offended  and  inexorable  God?  O  tre- 
mendous condemnation !  Go  ye  cursed,  &c.  &c.  Alas  ■ 
whither  shall  these  miserable  wretches  go,  to  whom 
thou  thus  givest  thy  malediction?  to  what  part  of  the 
world  shall  they  retire,  when  they  withdraw  from 
thee?  where  can  there  be  so  miserable  a  dwelling? 
To  be  banished  the  presence  of  God!  to  be  accursed 
of  God!  what  a  destiny! 

[Imagine  yourself,  now,  before  the  tribunal  of 
Christ.  What  are  you  ashamed  of  at  this  very  mo- 
ment? Reflect  seriously  on  it,  and  remember  that  ail 
your  secret  sins  shall  at  the  day  of  judgment  be  ex- 
posed, if  you  do  not  here  efface  them  by  a  sincere 
repentance.] 


PIOUS  REFLECTIONS.  333 

"  Who  can  stand  before  the  face  of  his  indignation?" 
Niahum.  i.  6. 

"  Wo  even  to  the  praise-worthy  life,  if,  without 
mercy,  O  God!  thou  shalt  examine  it."  St.  Austin. 

SIXTH  DAT. 

Hell. 

1.  How  great  would  be  our  horror,  if  the  shrieks 
of  the  damned,  if  their  groans  and  blasphemies  could 
reach  us!  They  roar  like  wild  beasts;  they  accuse 
themselves  of  their  sins;  they  bewail,  they  detest 
them.  It  is  too  late;  their  tears  but  add  new  strength 
to  the  fire,  that  torments  them.  Repentance  of  the 
damned!  how  rigorous  art  thou,  but  ah,  how  fruitless! 

2.  Never  to  see  God!  to  be  burning*  in  flames  for 
ever;  the  blood  boiling  in  our  veins,  the  marrow  in 
our  bones!  to  be  trampled  on  by  devils!  to  have  all 
that  is  hideous  for  ever  before  our  eyes!  to  have  rage, 
anguish,  and  despair,  eternally  rooted  in  our  hearts, 
without  comfort  or  mitigation!   O  what  a  life! 

3.  These  wretches  are  outrageous,  at  having  had 
so  many  opportunities  of  saving  themselves,  and  hav- 
ing neglected  them.  The  recollection  of  their  past 
pleasure  is  one  of  their  most  sensible  torments;  but 
nothing  more  keenly  gnaws  them,  than  the  impossi- 
bility of  forgetting  that  God,  whom,  by  their  own 
fault,  they  have  miserably  forfeited. 

[Go  down,  in  spirit,  into  hell.  Inquire  of  the 
damned  what  it  is,  that  has  made  them  fall  into  it. 
Question  them  upon  their  present  state,  and  learn  of 
them  to  fear  God,  and  dread  your  danger.] 

"Which  of  you  can  dwell  with  devouring  fire?" 
Isaias.  xxxiii.  14. 


334  PIOUS  REFLECTIONS. 

"  The  impious  pass  from  one  punishment  to  ano- 
ther— from  the  burnings  of  concupiscence,  to  the 
flames  of  hell."  Sf.  Aug. 

SEVENTH  DAT. 

Eternity  of  the  pains  of  hell. 

1.  Can  the  wrath  of  God  go  farther,  than  punishing 
pleasures,  which  are  so  soon  over,  by  tortures  which 
will  never  have  an  end?  to  be  miserable  while  evei 
God  is  God!  Can  any  misery  be  like  it?  Is  it  not 
enough,  that  the  evils  of  the  damned  should  be  ex- 
treme? Must  they  still,  besides  this,  be  eternal?  To 
be  hurt  by  the  point  of  a  pin,  is  trifling  in  itself,  yet 
were  this  pain  to  last  always,  it  would  become  in- 
supportable.    What  shall  it  be  then? 

2.  O  Eternity!  when  a  damned  soul  shall  have  shed 
tears  enough  to  make  up  all  the  rivers  and  seas  in 
the  world — did  he  shed  but  one  tear  in  every  hun- 
dred years,  he  shall  not  be  more  advanced,  after  so 
many  millions  of  ages,  than  if  he  had  only  begun  to 
suffer;  he  must  begin  again,  as  if  he  had  yet  suffered 
nothing;  and  when  he  shall  have  begun  as  often  as 
there  are  grains  of  sand  on  the  sea-shore,  or  atoms 
in  the  air,  or  leaves  on  the  trees,  he  shall  still  be  as 
far  off  as  ever. 

3.  The  damned  must  not  only  suffer  during  eterni- 
ty, but  suffer  every  moment,  an  eternity  entire.  Eter- 
nity is  always  present  to  them;  it  enters  into  theii 
punishments,  their  mind  is  incessantly  struck  with 
the  endless  duration  of  their  torments.  O  cruel 
thought!  O  deplorable  condition!  to  rage  for  an  eter- 
nity! to  burn  for  an  eternity! — Ah,  that  we  could  con- 
ceive this,  as  those  damned  souls  conceive  it! 


PTOUS  REFLECTIONS.  335 

[Make  an  act  of  faith  upon  the  duration  of  the 
punishments,  which  the  justice  of  God  inflicts  for 
mortal  sin.  We  must,  at  least,  believe  what  we  are  not 
able  to  conceive.  It  is  a  gTeat  misfortune,  for  a  Chris- 
tian not  to  be  persuaded  of  this  eternity,  but  by  his 
own  sad  experience.] 

"  Those  who  do  not  obey  the  Gospel,  shall  suffer 
eternal  punishments."     2  Thess.  i.  8,  9. 

"  Momentary  is  that  which  delights,  eternal  is  that 
which  tortures."     St.  Chrysostom. 

EIGHTH  DAT. 

• 

Heaven. 

1.  Heavex!  thou  glorious  state,  no  heart  can  con- 
ceive, no  tongue  can  describe  what  thou  art!  Ex- 
emption from  all  that  is  evil — assemblage  of  all  that  is 
good — master-piece  of  God's  omnipotence — the  price 
of  the  blood  of  Jesus,  and  more  than  man  can  desire. 

2.  To  see  God  clearly,  and  as  he  is  in  his  glory;  to 
love  God  without  measure;  to  possess  God,  without 
ever  fearing  to  lose  him;  to  be  happy  in  the  felicity 
of  God  himself — such  is  the  object  of  my  hopes.  But 
a  day  or  two  of  pilgrimage  and  exile,  and  then  I  shall 
be  with  him  for  ever. 

3.  What  matters  it  how  we  are  here  below,  pro- 
vided we  be  with  Jesus  for  all  eternity  ?  Can  I  justly 
complain,  when  a  never-ending  happiness  costs  me 
so  little?  The  martyrs  purchased  heaven  at  the  price 
of  their  blood,  and  thought  it  was  given  them  for 
nothing.  Shall  I  not  sacrifice  my  corrupt  will  for  it: 
O  happy  eternity!  if  men  only  knew  what  thou  art 
worth ! 

[Excite  within  yourself  a  great  desire  of  heavenj 


336  PIOUS  REFLECTIONS. 

and  behold  the  earth  with  a  proportionable  contempt 
Were  you  filled  with  a  proper  sense  of  it,  nothing 
here  below  could  allure  or  disturb  you.] 

"  I  shall  be  satisfied  when  thy  glory  shall  appear.'* 
Psalm,  xvi.  15. 

"  If  the  labour  terrifies,  the  reward  invites."  St. 
Bernard. 

SIXTH    DAT. 

The  presence  of  God. 

1.  God,  at  this  moment,  beholds  me,  as  if  I  were 
alone  in  the  world;  or  rather,  he  is  within  me,  as  an 
eye  infinitely  enlightened,  which  observes  me  atten- 
tively, and  which  nothing  can  escape.  He  sees  me 
as  clearly  as  he  comprehends  himself,  and  with  as  in- 
tense an  application,  as  if  he  ceased  to  contemplate 
himself,  in  order  to  study  me. 

2.  It  is  much  more  shameful  for  me,  that  my  sins 
should  appear  in  his  sight,  than  that  they  should  be 
exposed  to  the  eyes  of  the  whole  world.  "Would  I 
commit  in  the  presence  of  a  servant,  what  I  dare  com- 
mit before  the  King  of  kings?  What  blindness,  to 
fear  so  much  the  eyes  of  men,  and  so  little  the  eyes 
of  God! 

3.  The  blackest  darkness  can  never  conceal  me 
from  light  itself.  The  most  distant  and  solitary  re- 
treats are  always  filled  with  the  Divine  Majesty.  1 
may  shun,  as  much  as  I  please,  the  sight  and  the  com- 
pany of  men — I  will  find  God  even7  where. 

[Put  yourself  in  the  presence  of  God,  and  see 
whether  there  is  any  thing  in  you,  that  may  offend  his 
eyes.  Accustom  yourself  to  practice  this — it  is  a  most 
powerful  remedy  against  sin. 


PIOUS  REFLECTIONS.  337 

there  needs  no  more  to  restrain  me  in  the  greatest 
violence  of  temptation.] 

"  All  thing-s  are  naked  and  open  to  his  eyes."  He- 
brews, iv.  13. 

"  If  you  are  determined  to  commit  sin,  seek  first  a 
place  where  God  will  not  see  you,  and  then  do  what 
you  please."     St.  Austin. 

TEXTH    DAT. 

The  care  of  our  Salvation. 

1.  The  business  of  Salvation  is,  properly  speaking-, 
the  business  of  men;  every  thing"  else  should  be 
counted  as  nothing'.  The  enterprizes  of  king's,  their 
negociations,  &c.  are  as  the  amusements,  and  the  tri- 
fling's of  cliildren.  The  important,  and  the  only  affair, 
is  to  serve  God,  and  thereby  save  ourselves;  the  whole 
g-ood,  the  whole  perfection  of  man,  consists  in  this. 
It  is  not  to  be  reasonable,  it  is  not  to  be  man,  to  ne- 
glect an  affair,  the  consequences  of  which,  are  so 
great,  the  success  of  which,  is  so  uncertain,  and  the 
loss  of  which,  is  so  irreparable.  What  blindness! 
What  folly!  to  think  only  of  living",  and  not  to  think 
of  living-  well;  to  apply  so  much  to  our  fortune,  and  so 
little  to  the  saving"  of  our  soul.  What  doth  it  avail  a 
man  to  g"ain  the  whole  world,  and  to  lose  himself? 

2.  All  creatures  are  made  only  for  our  salvation; 
they  become  useless,  when  not  employed  for  that 
great  end.  So  that  the  moment  a  man  ceases  to  la- 
bour for  his  salvation,  the  sun  should  cease  to  shine, 
the  planets  should  stop  in  their  course,  the  earth 
should  no  long-er  support  him,  the  ang-els  should 
abandon  him;  he  should  fall  back  into  his  original 

29 


338  PIOUS  REFLECTIONS. 

nothing".  He  is  unworthy  of  life,  when  he  liveth  not 
for  God. 

3.  However,  the  greater  part  of  mankind  think  \esi 
of  saving-  themselves,  than  of  any  thing  else.  Every 
tiling*  is  attended  to,  except  the  affair  of  salvation.  All 
but  that,  is  turned  to  account; — this  money  must  be 
put  out  to  interest; — this  field  must  be  tilled; — these 
lands  must  be  set  out  at  more  considerable  rent.  All 
losses  are  bewailed,  except  the  one,  which  is  beyond 
recovery.  Great  expenses  are  incurred  for  the  body, 
and  nothing"  at  all  is  done  for  the  soul.  From  the 
manner  in  which  we  live,  it  would  seem  that  our  soul 
is  not  really  ours,  that  it  is  the  soul  of  our  most  mor- 
tal enemy,  or  the  soul  of  some  brute;  or  rather  that 
we  have  a  soul,  just  merely  to  destroy  it. 

[Make  now  a  resolution  to  save  yourself,  cost  what 
it  will;  be  of  the  same  sentiment  with  a  certain  pon- 
tiff, who,  when  a  king  asked  something  of  him,  which 
could  not  be  granted  without  sin,  replied,  "  If  I  had 
two  souls,  I  would  give  one  of  them  to  this  Prince; 
but,  as  I  have  only  one,  I  do  not  choose  to  forfeit  it."] 

"  One  thing  is  necessary."     St.  Luke,  x.  42. 

"  Where  there  is  the  loss  of  salvation,  there  sure- 
ly, there  can  be  no  gain."     St.  Euch. 

ELEVENTH    DAY. 

Horror  for  Sin. 
1.  How  great  a  loss  is  the  loss  of  God?  Men  think 
themselves  unfortunate,  when  thov  lose  all  their  pos- 
session at  law,  or  by  bankruptcy,  or  by  some  other 
accident.  What  is  it  then,  to  lose  an  infinite  good' 
Unhappy  is  the  soul,  which  loses  its  God  by  sin!  buf 


PIOUS  REFLECTIONS.  339 

far  more  unhappy  the  soul,  who  considers  this  loss  as 
nothing". 

2.  O  sin!  how  common  art  thou  among  men!  but 
how  little,  at  the  same  time,  art  thou  known  to  them! 
Playing  and  amusing  themselves,  they  become  the 
execration  of  God;  and  what  play? — what  amusement 
is  this?  God,  who  is  all  love,  detests  sin  with  infinite 
hatred.  Should  any  thing,  therefore,  be  so  shocking 
in  our  eyes,  as  this  hellish  monster! 

3.  A  soul  in  the  state  of  grace  is  beautiful  beyond 
expression;  it  is  a  brilliant  image  of  God  himself;  the 
Holy  Ghost  animates  it.  But  when  mortal  sin  is  al- 
lowed to  infect  it,  this  beauty  is  lost;  this  light  is  ex- 
tinguished: the  Divine  Spirit  departs;  the  devil  takes 
possession;  all  then  is  darkness,  filth,  and  deformity. 
A  God  dying,  was  a  dreadful  spectacle,  but  mortal 
sin  is  yet  more  dreadful;  for  Christ  died  but  to  atone 
for  sin,  and  sin  can  daily  frustrate  all  his  merits;  lie  is 
crucified  over  and  over;  his  blood  is  trampled  upon 
by  all  those,  who  commit  it. 

[Detest,  at  this  moment,  all  your  sins;  lament  from 
your  heart,  the  loss  of  God's  grace;  there  is  no  loss 
so  much  to  be  lamented;  it  is  the  only  loss  which  sor- 
row can  repair.] 

"  What  fruit  had  you  in  those  tilings,  of  which  you 
are  now  ashamed?"     Rom.  vi.  21. 

"  Wo  to  that  daring  soul,  which  hoped  that  having 
retired  from  thee,  she  might  still  find  something  bet- 
ter."    St.  Austin. 

TWELFTH    DAT. 

Repentance. 
1.    "Repent  and  believe  the  Gospel,"  saith  our 
Lord.    He  joins  these  two  things,  to  teach  us  that  the 


340  PIOUS  REFLECTIONS. 

rigours  of  penance,  and  the  profession  of  Christianity, 
are  inseparable.  During-  his  mortal  life,  he  was  a  pe- 
nitent God,  ever  occupied  in  expiating-  our  sins,  to 
appease  the  justice  of  his  Father.  Surely,  we  should 
follow  his  example.  If  the  Holy  of  Holies  fasted, 
prayed,  and  wept,  what  should  not  be  done  by  such 
vile  wretches  as  we  are? 

2.  Sin  must  necessarily  be  punished,  either  by  him 
who  commits  it,  or  by  God,  ag-ainst  whom  it  is  com- 
mitted. If  sinners  do  not  punish  themselves  in  time. 
Divine  Justice  will  punish  them  in  eternity.  The 
flames  of  hell  must  punish  what  the  waters  of  penance 
do  not  efface.  Is  it  not  better  to  weep  for  a  few  days, 
than  to  burn  for  eternity? 

3.  To  be  reconciled  with  God,  it  is  not  enough  to 
prostrate  yourself  before  a  Priest — to  cover  your  head 
with  ashes,  and  your  whole  body  with  haircloth.  If 
you  have  not  a  sincere  sorrow  for  your  sins,  if  you  do 
not  entirely  renounce  your  criminal  attachments,  you 
are  an  impostor,  and  not  a  penitent.  Prayers,  alms, 
fasting-,  all  the  macerations  of  the  flesh,  are  but  the 
outside  of  repentance;  the  hatred  of  sin  is  the  very 
spirit  and  essence  of  it. 

[Implore  God's  mercy  for  having  led  hitherto,  a  life 
so  opposite  to  the  Gospel,  and  beg  of  him  the  grace  to 
live  for  the  future,  as  the  first  Christians  did,  in  the 
constant  practice  of  penance.] 

"  Except  you  do  penance,  you  shall  all  likewise 
perish."     Luke,  xiii.  5. 

"  To  penitents  1  say — to  what  purpose  is  it  that 
you  be  humbled,  if  with  this,  you  be  not  changed?" 
St.  Justin. 


PIOUS  REFLECTIONS.  341 


THIKTEEXTH    DAT. 


Delay  of  Conversion. 

1.  I  Dr.FEn  too  long"  giving-  myself  up  to  God.  It 
would  seem,  that  I  intended  to  escape  from  his  hands. 
Is  it  then  a  misfortune  to  belong1  to  him? — To-mor- 
row, to-morrow. — Why  not  to-day?  Why  not  at  this 
very  moment?  Will  my  chains  be  more  easily  broken 
to-morrow?  Will  my  heart  be  less  hard?  no,  certain- 
ly?— Time,  that  weakens  every  thing",  adds  new 
strength  to  bad  habits.  By  putting-  off  the  remedy, 
the  complaint  becomes  incurable. 

2.  What  is  it  then  that  prevents  our  obeying-  the 
voice,  that  calls  us  to  repentance?  What  is  it  that 
terrifies  us?  There  is  great  difficulty  in  chang-ing-  our 
lives;  this  certainly  must  be  granted;  but  what  should 
not  a  Christian  do,  who  adores  a  crucified  God,  and 
who  looks  up  to  heaven?  If  we  have  any  thing-  to 
fear,  it  should  be  the  abuse  of  God's  graces. 

3.  The  future, — can  I  call  it  mine?  Is  it  a  possession 
1  am  master  of?  God  waits  for  me,  it  is  true, — the 
scripture  tells  me  so:  but  still  it  does  not  tell'me  how 
long- 1  am  to  live.  He  that  has  promised  pardon  to 
those  that  repent,  has  not  promised  another  day  to 
those  who  continue  in  their  vices.  Perhaps  I  shall 
have  time,  and  perhaps  I  shall  not; — must  I  not  have 
lost  my  senses,  to  rest  my  salvation  upon  a  mere  per- 
haps? 

[Reflect  now  upon  the  time,  you  have  been  defer- 
ring- your  conversion  to  God,  and  tremble  at  the  sig-hi. 
of  your  dang-er.] 

"  I  said — Now  have  I  begun."     Psalm,  lxxvi.  11. 

"  We  cannot  be  too  cautious,  where  eternity  is  at 
stake." 

29* 


342  PIOUS  REFLECTIONS. 

FOURTEENTH    DAT. 

Human  respect. 

1.  The  world  speaks — let  it  speak  on.  Should  the 
talk  of  fools  hinder  you  from  being"  wise?  But  what 
will  they  say?  They  will  say,  that  you  fear  God  more 
than  you  fear  men.  The  greatest  libertines  will,  in 
their  souls  admire  you,  and  will  say  within  them- 
selves, that  you  are  doing"  right.  What  matter,  after 
all,  what  people  may  say  of  you,  if  you  do  your  duty, 
and  that  God  be  satisfied? 

2.  What  cowardice,  to  blush  at  the  gospel!  To 
wear  the  livery  of  a  prince  is  held  honourable.  Is  it 
shameful  to  wear  that  of  Christ?  The  lowest  me- 
chanics make  open  profession  of  the  trades  they  fol- 
low; and  Christians  in  the  church,  will  blush  at  being 
Christians!  The  Son  of  God  will  deny  before  his 
Father,  the  Christian  that  before  men,  shall  have  de- 
nied him. 

3.  What,  then!  is  there  any  thing  in  Jesus  that  you 
should  be  ashamed  of?  Is  his  name  infamous?  Is  it 
disgraceful  to  follow  his  maxims  and  example?  You 
are  not  ashamed,  perhaps,  of  being  a  libertine,  a 
drunkard,  a  blasphemer — you  even  glory  in  it;  and 
yet,  you  will  blush  at  being  a  good  man.  But  let  peo- 
ple say  what  they  will,  the  man  that  is  most  to  be  es- 
teemed, is  the  man  who  serves  God  most  faithfully, 
and  who  openly  professes  to  serve  him. 

[Ask  yourself  seriously,  whether  this  phantom  of 
the  world  does  not  frighten  you,  and  prevent  your 
fulfilling  the  obligations,  which  the  Christian  religion 
imposes.] 

"I  am  not  ashamed  of  the  Gospel."  Romans,  i.  16 


PIOUS  REFLECTIONS.  343 

Why  should  you  fear,  or  be  ashamed,  wheu  arra- 
if  the  cross?"  St. 

FIFTEENTH  DAT. 

Diffidence  in  ourselves. 

1.  We  have  nothing1  to  fear  so  much  as  ourselves. 
Our  own  weakness  is  more  alarming",  than  all  the  pow- 
ers of  hell  united.  A  thought,  a  word,  a  single  look 
is  enough  to  overcome  us.  Angels  have  rebelled — 
Adam  hath  fallen — Solomon  has  bowed  to  idols — 
Peter  has  denied  his  master:  when  cedars  have  yield- 
ed, how  shall  frail  reeds  stand? 

2.  Our  heart  is  our  most  dangerous  enemy.  Our 
senses,  our  passions  are  ever  conspiring  against  us. 
We  are  vanquished  almost  without  a  struggle.  Let 
us  then  never  be  so  foolish,  as  to  trust  to  ourselves. 
Many  whom  torments  could  not  shake,  have  wretch- 
edly perished  in  a  slight  temptation — victorious  over 
tyrants,  but  conquered  by  concupiscence. 

3.  There  is  no  man,  how  exemplary  soever  his  con- 
duct, that  should  not  tremble  at  the  justice  of  God; 
for  he  cannot  be  certain  whether  love  or  hatred  be 
now  in  store  for  him.  To  the  all-seeing  eye  of  infi- 
nite perfection,  angels  themselves  shall  not  appear 
without  blemish.  Sanctity  may  be  lost  in  a  single 
moment,  and  the  saint  may  be  transformed  into  an 
odious  reprobate.  We  should  all,  therefore,  cry  out 
with  SI.  Philip  of  Neri,  "Watch  me,  O  Lord,  this 
day,  for  abandoned  to  myself,  I  shall  surely  betray 
thee." 

[Beware  of  the  occasions  of  sin,  the  most  danger 
ous  are  often  those  of  which  you  are  least  afraid.] 


344  PIOUS  REFLECTIONS. 

"  Let  him  that  thinketh  himself  to  stand,  take  heed 
lest  he  fall."     1  Car.  x.  12. 

"  Though  you  be  in  a  place  of  safety,  do  not  on  that 
account  think  yourself  secure."  St.  Bernard. 

SIXTEENTH  DAT. 

Tlie  use  of  divine  grace. 

1.  Whatever  grace  we  have,  was  deaily  pur. 
chased.  Our  Saviour  gave  his  blood  for  it.  There- 
fore to  reject  a  pious  thought,  to  resist  a  holy  inspi- 
ration is,  in  fact,  to  trample  on  the  merits  of  Christ, 
and  to  frustate,  as  much  as  we  can,  the  ends  he  pro- 
posed to  himself  in  dying  for  us. 

2.  We  are  accountable  to  God,  not  only  for  the 
graces  we  have  received,  but  also  for  those  which  he 
intended  to  confer  on  us,  if  we  ourselves  had  not  put 
an  obstacle  to  them.  His  sun  shines,  we  shut  our 
windows  against  it,  we  are  not  less  indebted  to  him 
for  its  light;  for  we  may,  if  we  please,  make  use  of  it 

3.  Many  years,  perhaps,  has  God  been  inviting  us 
in  vain. — Soliciting,  reprehending,  threatening,  to  no 
manner  of  purpose.  But  let  us  remember  that  he  is  a 
creditor,  who  will  not  be  thus  put  off,  and  that  the 
longer  our  debt  is  unpaid,  the  more  strictly  will  he 
require  the  interest.  There  is,  possibly,  a  measure  of 
sins,  which  being  filled,  God  will  at  last  abandon  us. 

[Thank  the  Almighty  now,  for  all  his  gifts  and 
graces.  Beg  pardon  for  having  been  unfaithful  to 
them,  and  resolve  to  correspond  with  docility,  to  all 
his  suggestions  for  the  future.] 

"Unto  whomsoever  much  is  given,  much  shall  he 
required."  Luke,  xii.  48. 

"  Grace  is  followed  by  judgment."  St.  Basil 


PIOUS  REFLECTIONS.  345 

SEVENTEENTH  DAT. 

The  employment  of  time. 

1.  The  loss  of  time  is  one  of  the  greatest  disorders 
in  the  world.  This  life  is  so  short — all  its  moments 
so  precious;  yet  we  live  as  if  it  were  never  to  end,  or 
as  if  we  had  nothing"  to  fear. 

2.  Alas!  if  a  damned  soul  had  but  one  single  mo- 
ment of  the  time  we  are  squandering,  what  use  would 
he  make  of  it?  Every  instant  of  our  life,  we  may  pur- 
chase a  happy  eternity.  The  opportunity  of  enrich- 
ing, or  amusing  ourselves,  we  never  miss,  but  the 
means  of  salvation  appear  indifferent  to  us. 

3.  The  day  which  is  best  employed,  is  not  always 
the  one,  which  has  most  forwarded  our  affairs,  but 
that,  which  has  added  most  to  our  merits,  and  wrhich 
God  hath  been  best  pleased  with.  Let  us  always  so 
regulate  our  time,  that  God  and  our  salvation  may  be 
our  constant  object. 

[Renew  the  resolution,  you  have  taken  to  serve  God 
faithfully,  and  be  intimately  persuaded,  that  the  time 
which  is  not  employed  for  God,  is  so  much  time  lost 
for  ever.] 

"God  hath  given  to  no  man  time  for  sinning." 
Eccles.  xv.  21. 

"You  have  leisure  to  be  a  philosopher — you  have 
not  leisure  to  be  a  Christian."  St.  Paulin. 

EISHTEEXTH  DAT. 

The  use  of  the  Sacraments. 
1.  The    Sacraments  are   the   channels  of  divine 
gTace.     Through  them  the  merits  of  Christ  abundant- 
ly flow.     We  must  take  care  to  approach  them  wor- 
thily, for  otherwise  his  merits  shall  not  be  able  to 


346  PIOUS  REFLECTIONS. 

reach  us.  nor  shall  our  salvation,  of  course,  be  pos- 
sible. 

2.  The  abuse  of  the  Sacraments  is  a  monstroua 
evil.  They  were  instituted  as  the  means  of  life,  but 
are  thus  perverted  to  eternal  death.  There  is  no  me- 
dium— they  must  be  our  food,  or  our  poison.  How 
dreadful  then  to  think,  that  after  so  many  confessions 
we  are  so  little  improved,  that  after  repeated  commu- 
nions, the  same  sinful  course  should  still  be  followed? 

3.  The  unworthy  Communicant  receives  his  own 
condemnation,  and  becomes,  as  it  were,  incorporated 
with  his  own  ruin.  What  shall  he  answer,  \\  lien  call- 
ed to  an  account  for  his  baseness.  How  shall  he  es- 
cape, when  arraigned  for  his  daring  profanations? 

[Examine  yourself  carefully  upon  the  use  you  have 
made  of  the  Sacraments,  and  receive  them  for  the 
future  as  if  death  were  immediately  to  follow.] 
•  "Let  a  man  prove  himself."  1  Cor.  xi.  28. 

"  There  are  bad  Christians,  who  are  called  by  the 
name  of  faithful,  and  are  not  such;  by  whom  the  Sa- 
craments of  Christ  are  dishonoured  and  profaned. 
St.  Austin. 

HUUtTJtXHTH    DAT. 

Mass. 
1.  A  sacrifice  is  an  exterior  or  visible  offering' 
made  by  a  lawful  minister  to  God  alone,  in  testimony 
of  his  supreme  dominion.  Our  absolute  dependence 
upon  God,  and  the  homage  we  owe  him,  render  sa- 
crifice essential  to  religion.  Hence,  from  the  begin- 
ning of  the  world,  it  has  been  always  offered.  Abel, 
Noah,  Melchisedech,  Abraham,  Isaac  and  Jacob,  have 
sacrificed  to  the  Almighty,  and  a  variety  of  sacrifices 
wei'e  prescribed  in  the  written  law  of  Moses. 


PIOUS  REFLECTIONS.  347 

2.  All  these,  however,  were  only  weak  figures  of 
the  sacrifice  of  Christ  upon  the  Cross.  For  sin  was 
too  great  an  evil,  its  guilt  was  of  too  black  a  die,  to 
be  ever  effaced  by  the  blood  of  sheep  and  oxen.  No 
other  atonement  could  possibly  compensate  for  it, 
than  the  invaluable  suffering's  of  a  God.  Therefore 
did  he  come.  In  the  head  of  the  book,  it  was  writ- 
ten of  him,  that  he  should  do  the  will  of  his  Father. 
JBy  the  oblation  of  himself,  he  paid  off  all  our  debts. 
He  closed  up  the  abyss  of  separation,  cancelled  the 
hand  writing-  of  sin,  that  lay  against  us,  and  the  sanc- 
tified he  perfected  for  ever. 

3.  Was  not  this  enough?  Most  undoubtedly  it  was. 
Nay,  one  drop  of  his  blood  was  fully  adequate  to  all 
these  purposes.  Why  then  is  the  same  sacrifice  daily 
renewed  in  the  Mass?  Why  is  he  still  immolated  upon 
our  altars?  Why  is  his  body  mystically  drained  of  his 
blood,  by  the  separate  consecration  of  the  two  spe- 
cies? Because  his  love  for  us  would  have  it  so.  He 
would  leave  us  a  standing"  memorial  of  his  death.  He 
would  daily  apply  to  our  souls  the  infinite  merits  of 
it;  just  as  he  prays  for  us  still,  though  his  prayer  on 
the  Cross  was  already  heard  for  us.  He  would,  as 
Priest  for  ever,  according"  to  the  order  of  Melchise- 
dech,  continue  to  the  end  of  time,  the  same  unbloody 
sacrifice.  He  was  willing  that  his  faithful  on  earth 
united,  not  only  in  spirit,  but  in  outward  ties  of  reli- 
gion, should  ever  have  this  sacrifice  before  them,  as 
the  strongest  bond  of  love,  and  the  most  Derfect  act 
of  adoration. 

[Make  a  resolution  to  hear  Mass  every  da\,  and  to 
hear  it  with  the  devotion,  which  so  august  a  sacrifice 


348  PIOUS  REFLECTIONS. 

requires.  For  this  purpose  go  to  the  church  as  you 
would  to  Mount  Calvary;  adore  Jesus  Christ  in  this 
state  of  humiliation;  pay  him  your  homage  with  fer- 
vour at  the  foot  of  the  altar.  It  is  a  shame  for  us, 
and  most  displeasing-  to  him,  that  he  is  so  deserted  in 
the  midst  of  our  churches,  and  that  his  court  is  emp- 
ty, while  kings  on  earth  have  their  levies  crowded.] 

"In  every  place  there  is  sacrifice,  and  there  is  of 
fered  to  my  name  a  clean  offering. "  Malac.  i.  11. 

"  He  will  then  be  our  victim  indeed,  when  we  sa- 
crifice ourselves  to  him."  St.  Gregory. 

TWENTIETH    DAT. 

Alms. 

1.  We  minister  to  Christ,  when  we  relieve  the 
poor.  He  abides  in  the  Eucharist  to  receive  our  ado- 
ration, and  to  become  our  nourishment.  He  abides  in 
the  poor  to  excite  our  compassion,  and  to  be  fed  by 
us  in  our  turn.  Happy  the  man,  who  gives  alms  to 
Jesus  Christ,  but  wretched  is  he  who  refuses  to  assist 
him.  Shall  we  feed  our  dog,  and  let  Christ  famish 
with  hunger! 

2.  What  we  give  to  the  great  ones  of  the  earth, 
may  mostly  be  considered  as  forfeited;  but  what  we 
present  to  God,  is  always  attended  with  advantage; 
he  gives  it  back  with  interest;  he  repays  with  libera- 
lity the  crumbs  that  are  given  for  his  sake;  his  rewards 
are  laid  up,  even  for  the  cup  of  water.  Play,  luxury, 
and  debauch,  have  ruined  innumerable  families,  but 
alms  have  impoverished  no  one. 

3.  Men,  at  the  day  of  judgment,  shall  be  accoun- 
table for  their  alms;  but  what  answer  can  the  unfeel- 


PIOUS  REFLECTIONS.  349 

ing  rich,  make,  when  the  poor  shall  accuse  them? 
"When  Jesus  Christ  himself  shall  reproach  them  with 
their  insensibility?  "  Depart  from  me  ye  cursed  into 
eternal  fire,  for  I  was  hungry,  and  you  gave  me  not 
to  eat;  I  was  naked,  and  you  did  not  clothe  me,"  &c. 
A  heart  that  is  hard  to  the  poor,  is  the  heart  of  a  re- 
probate; but,  on  the  contrary,  a  soul  that  is  truly  cha- 
ritable, is  a  soul  predestined.  And  what  can  our 
judge  say  against  us,  when  he  shall  see  our  clothes 
upon  himself — when  he  shall  see  our  bread  and  our 
money  in  his  own  hands?  We  may  approach  this 
awful  tribunal  with  confidence,  provided  the  poor  be 
our  advocates. 

[Consider  seriously  how  you  behave  to  the  poor; 
whether  you  treat  them  as  members  of  Christ,  and  do 
them  all  the  good  in  your  power.] 

"He  that  hath  mercy  on  the  poor,  lendeth  to  the 
Lord,  and  he  will  repay  him."     Proverbs,  xix.  17. 

"  Give  unto  all,  lest  he  whom  you  refuse  be  Jesus 
himself."     St.  Austin. 

TWEXTT-FIRST  BAT. 

Example. 

1.  Bad  example  has  damned  more  souls,  than  all 
the  saints  together  were  ever  able  to  save.  Were  the 
gates  of  hell  to  be  laid  open,  scarcely  could  any  one 
be  found,  that  would  not  say,  it  is  such,  or  such  a 
one,  til  at  has  damned  me.  What  a  reproach!  We 
are  commanded  to  love  our  enemies;  why  then  should 
we  destroy  souls,  who  have  never  done  us  an  injury? 
A  man  who  has  been  unfortunate  enough  to  ruin 
souls,  redeemed  by  the  blood  of  a  God,  has  much 
30 


350  PIOUS  REFLECTIONS. 

cause  to  fear  for  his  salvation.  What  can  we  reason- 
ably hope  from  Jesus  Christ,  after  having"  torn  from 
him,  what  he  hath  so  dearly  purchased? 

2.  O  fathers  and  mothers,  who  do  not  live  as  Chris- 
tians ought  to  do,  it  were  far  better  for  your  children 
that  they  had  not  been  born!  You  have  given  them 
life,  only  to  put  them  to  death — to  that  dreadful  death 
which  is  eternal!  When  they  shall  require  of  you 
the  heaven  they  have  lost,  what  will  you  be  able  to 
answer  them? 

3.  Let  us  clothe  ourselves  with  Jesus  Christ,  ac- 
cording to  the  words  of  the  apostle.  Let  his  conduct, 
his  virtue,  and  his  spirit  shine  forth  in  us;  so  that  he 
may  be  remembered,  when  we  are  seen.  We  contri- 
bute not  less  to  our  neighbour's  salvation,  by  an  edi- 
fying life,  than  to  his  damnation  by  a  scandalous  one. 

[Be  very  careful  to  do  nothing,  that  may  scandalize 
your  neighbour;  and  humbly  beg  pardon  of  God  for 
the  sins  you  have  occasioned.] 

"  Wo  to  that  man,  by  whom  the  scandal  cometh." 
St.  Matt.  xvii.  7. 

"  The  scandalous  sinner  must  answer  for  the  crimes 
which  his  bad  example  hath  caused  to  be  commit- 
ted." Salvian. 

TWEXTT-SECOND   DAT. 

Mortification. 

1.  We  are  not  Christians  to  be  rich,  and  to  live  at 
our  ease.  It  was  not  necessary  to  institute  Christian- 
ity for  that  purpose.  The  world  might  have  been 
left  as  it  was,  under  the  empire  of  passion  and  opi- 


PIOUS  REFLECTIONS.  351 

niorv     The  life  of  a  Christian  is  a  crucified  life;  unless 
the  Cross  be  loved,  faith  must  be  renounced. 

2.  What  does  the  Gospel  say?  "Blessed  are  ye 
that  weep — Wo  to  you  that  are  rich!  for  you  have 
your  consolation."  Luke,  vi.  21.  24.  Such  is  the  lan- 
guage of  the  Holy  Ghost.  But  it  is  now  looked  upon 
as  nonsense  to  believe,  that  felicity  consists  in  tears, 
and  that  the  rich  are  unhappy. 

3.  The  Son  of  God  was  to  die  on  the  Cross,  that  lie 
might  take  possession  of  his  glory.  The  saints  have 
arrived  at  heaven,  only  by  the  path  of  sufferings. 
Shall  we  then  imagine,  that  what  the  Son  of  God  and 
the  saints  have  so  dearly  purchased,  shall  be  given  to 
us  for  nothing?  The  Cross  is  the  distinctive  mark, 
and  portion  of  the  elect.  A  soul  which  suffers 
nothing,  and  is  resolved  to  suffer  nothing,  has  the 
strongest  character  of  a  reprobate.  We  must  neces- 
sarily suffer  in  this  world,  or  suffer  in  the  next 

[Adore  Christ  crucified,  and  beg  of  him  the  grace 
to  participate  now,  in  his  suffering  life,  that  you  may, 
one  day,  participate  in  his  life  of  glory.  ] 

"  Whosoever  doth  not  carry  his  cross,  and  come 
after  me,  cannot  be  my  disciple."  Luke,  xiv.  27. 

"  What  a  shame  to  be  the  delicate  member  of  a 
head  crowned  with  thorns."  St.  Barnard. 

TWKXTI-THini)  DAT. 

Conformity  to  the  will  of  God. 

1.  The  greatest  happiness  of  a  reasonable  creature, 
is,  to  will  that  which  its  Creator  willeth;  it  is  in  this 
precisely,  that  real  sanctity  consists.  The  saints  are 
saints  only  because  their  will  is  in  conformity  with  the 


352  PIOUS  REFLECTIONS. 

will  of  God.     Whatever  virtue  we  may  have,  if  we 
have  not  that,  we  are  not  truly  virtuous. 

2.  A  soul  that  is  not  satisfied  with  the  will  of  God, 
seems  to  doubt,  in  some  measure,  of  his  authority. 
To  desire,  that,  what  he  ordains  and  permits  in  this 
world,  should  go  on  otherwise  than  it  does,  is  to  de- 
sire that  God  should  not  be  master.  Every  thing-  that 
happens  to  us,  happens  by  his  order,  and  is  it  not  just 
to  acquiesce  in  whatever  is  ordained  by  an  infinite 
wisdom. 

3 .  All  thing's,  but  sin,  fall  out  by  God's  appointment. 
Though  his  arm  be  raised  to  strike,  we  are  sure  that 
his  hand  is  conducted  by  his  heart.  "What  have  we 
to  fear  from  a  heart  that  loves  us?  We  will  then  de- 
sire nothing  but  what  he  pleases:  We  will  not  com- 
plain of  losses,  sickness,  troubles,  &.c. — The  name 
and  the  nature  of  these  things  are  changed,  as  they 
pass  through  the  hands  of  God.  What  the  world 
calls  misfortune,  affliction,  dishonour,  is  an  advan- 
tage, a  grace,  and  a  favour  from  heaven,  when  con- 
sidered in  the  order  of  Providence. 

[Renounce  your  will,  and  beg  of  God  that  his  may 
De  accomplished  in  you.] 

"Yea,  Father!  for  so  hath  it  seemed  good  in  thy 
sight."  Matt.  xi.  26. 

"  He  is  pleasing  to  God,  to  whom  God  is  pleasing." 
St.  Austin. 

TWENTY-FOURTH  DAY. 

Confidence  in  God. 

1.  God  is  the  great  Father  of  mankind;  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  has  taught  us  to  call  him  so.     Not  even 


PIOUS  REFLECTIONS.  353 

a  hair  shall  drop  from  our  heads  without  his  know- 
ledge. His  providence  reaches  from  end  to  end,  dis- 
posing- all  things  sweetly.  What  madness,  therefore, 
to  doubt  of  his  protection,  or  to  be  slow  in  trusting 
to  his  guidance! 

2.  The  insects  are  an  object  of  his  care;  much  more 
we,  who  are  created  to  his  image,  and  redeemed  by 
the  blood  of  his  only  begotten  Son.  God  feeds  the 
Infidels,  who  know  him  not;  he  heaps  favours  on  the 
impious,  by  whom  he  is  blasphemed.  What  will  he 
not  do  for  Christians,  who  honour  and  love  him? 

3.  Our  affairs  are  much  better  off  in  his  hands,  than 
they  could  be  in  our  own ; — let  us  leave  all  to  him, — he 
is  at  once  our  Father  and  our  Creator.  The  tender- 
ness he  has  for  his  children  obliges  him  to  take  care 
of  them:  he  has  promised  us  his  protection, — he  will 
be  as  good  as  his  word.  Sooner  shall  the  heavens 
and  the  earth  be  destroyed,  than  a  man  perish  whose 
confidence  is  in  God! 

[Examine  your  heart,  and  see  whether  your  confi- 
dence be  worthy  the  goodness  of  God,  and  the  merits 
of  Jesus  Christ.] 

"Thou  art  my  God,  my  lots  are  in  thy  hands." 
Psalm,  xxx.  16. 

"  Throw  yourself  upon  him,  he  will  not  withdraw, 
to  let  you  fall."  St.  Austin, 

TWEXTY-FIFTtt  DAT. 

The  love  of  God. 
1.  God  has  loved  us  so  far,  as  to  give  us  his  only 
Son.     If  he  had  had  any  thing  better,  he  would  have 
given  it  to  us.    Is  it  not  purchasing  our  love  very  dear- 
30* 


354  PIOUS  REFLECTIONS. 

ly,  to  purchase  it  at  this  rate?  A  trifling-  bounty  is 
entitled  to  our  love;  why  then  shall  we  not  love  a 
bounty  that  is  infinite?  What!  does  its  being1  infinite, 
render  it  less  amiable? 

2.  God  commands  me  to  love  him.  Is  that  com- 
mandment rigorous,  \v  hich  orders  us  to  love  what  is 
infinitely  worthy  of  our  affections?  He  commands  us 
to  love  him  with  all  our  hearts.  Is  a  heart  so  small, 
too  much  for  a  God  so  great?  But  in  saying-  all,  he 
admits  of  no  exception.  Whatever  share  I  give  him, 
if  I  give  him  not  all,  I  give  him  nothing. 

3.  If  eternity  could  have  an  end,  the  torments  of 
hell,  even  in  the  judgment  of  the  damned,  would  not 
be  too  much  to  obtain  his  heavenly  love.  There  is 
not  one  of  those  miserable  souls,  that  would  not  think 
itself  happy,  if,  after  ages  of  suffering,  it  could  love 
that  infinite  beauty.  We  can  love  God  if  we  please; 
every  moment  invites  us  to  it;  not  to  do  so  while  it 
can  be  done,  is  a  monstrous  insensibility. 

[Disclaim  every  love  but  that  of  God  alone,  and  en- 
deavour to  love  him  above  all  things.] 

"If  I  have  not  charity,  I  am  nothing."  1  Cor.  xiii.  2. 

"If  we  had  a  difficulty  to  love  God  first,  we  cer- 
tainly should  have  none  to  love  him  after  he  has  loved 
us."  St.  Austin. 

TWENTY-SIXTH  DAT. 

The  love  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

1.  Nothing  was  ever  purchased  at  so  dear  a  rate, 

as  my  soul.     A  divine  life  was  given  to  redeem  it. 

I  deserved  hell;  justice  cried  out  for  punishment:  but 

Christ  would  listen  only  to  his  heart.     It  pleaded  in 


PIOUS  REFLECTIONS.  355 

my  behalf,  and  obtained  forgiveness.  If  I  return  him 
not  life  for  life,  the  least  I  can  do,  is  to  return  him 
love  for  love. 

2.  The  dog1  that  I  feed,  watches,  caresses,  and  at- 
tends me.  Jesus  has  given  his  blood  for  me,  and  con- 
tinues to  give  himself,  yet  I  am  still  insensible. 
Learn  then,  ungrateful  soul,  learn  thy  duty,  from  a 
brute !  Thy  dog-  is  thy  teacher,  and  thy  judge.  If  his 
example  reform  not  thy  heart,  thou  art  more  brutal 
than  he  is. 

3.  We  can  feel  for  our  friends,  we  are  not  insensi- 
ble of  the  good  they  do  us;  we  pique  ourselves  upon 
gratitude.  Shall  we  be  ungrateful  only  to  Christ? 
Shall  he  alone  find  us  hard-hearted?  had  we  ever  a 
friend  that  sacrificed  himself  for  us  ? 

[Beg*  the  love  of  Jesus  from  Jesus  himself.  With- 
out his  gTace  we  shall  never  be  able  to  love  him.] 

"If  any  man  love  not  our  Lord  Jesus,  let  him  be 
anathema."  1  Cor.  xvi.  22. 

"  If  I  owe  myself  entirely,  for  having-  been  created, 
what  shall  I  add  for  having*  been  redeemed,  and  re- 
deemed in  so  excellent  a  manner?"  St.  Bernard. 

TWEXTY-SEVEXTH    DAT. 

Tlie  love  of  our  neighbour. 

1.  If  we  love  not  our  neighbour,  we  cannot  love 
God.  Whatever  good  we  do,  it  is  all  nothing,  if  we 
do  not  love  our  brethren.  Even  martyrdom  itself  will 
not  avail  us,  without  charity. 

2.  "This  is  my  commandment,"  said  Jesus,  "that 
you  love  one  another,  as  I  have  loved  you."  St.  John, 
xv.  12.     Had  mankind  nothing  else  than  Christ's  love 


356  PIOUS  REFLECTIONS. 

to  endear  them,  they  are  objects  of  esteem  for  that 
very  reason.  If  our  Saviour  has  loved  them,  shall  we 
refuse  to  do  so? 

3.  Do  we  love  all  men,  as  Christ  has  loved  them? 
Do  we  thirst  for  their  salvation  as  he  did?  Do  we  do 
by  them,  as  we  would  be  done  by? 

[Excite  yourself  to  love  those  whom  our  Lord,  Jesus 
Christ  has  loved  so  tenderly.  Firmly  purpose  to  pro- 
mote their  salvation,  and  never  to  do  what  may  oft  enJ 
against  charity.] 

"He  that  loveth  his  neighbour,  hath  fulfilled  the 
law."  Rom.  xiii.  8. 

"By  charity  alone,  the  children  of  God  are  distin- 
guished from  the  children  of  satan."  St.  Austin. 

TWENTY-EIGHTH  DAY. 

Hit  love  of  our  enemies. 

1.  So  essential  is  charity  to  the  Christian  Religion, 
that  we  are  obliged  to  love  even  our  enemies.  Christ 
has  given  the  commandment,  and  set  the  example. 
A  God  orders  this,  shall  we  find  it  hard  to  obey! — A 
God  forgives  his  very  executioners,  and  we  refuse  tc 
pardon  a  brother! 

2.  He  that  will  not  forgive,  shall  not  be  forgiven 
God  will  not  pardon  us,  but  as  we  pardon  others.  If 
we  seek  revenge,  we  call  down  God's  anger  upon  us. 
We  must  either  love  our  enemies,  or  hate  ourselves. 

3.  It  would  seem  that  two  Christians,  who  hate 
each  other,  are  not  really  professors  of  the  same  reli- 
gion; for  can  they  approach  the  same  altar,  eat  the 
same  food,  believe  the  same  heaven,  and  hope  to  be 
together  eternally?     Mutual  hatred  is  allowed  but  to 


PIOUS  REFLECTIONS.  357 

the  devils — it  belongs  to  them  alone.  There  is  not  a 
more  formal  sign  of  reprobation,  than  refusing  to 
pardon;  and  a  soul  with  that  mark,  maybe  looked  on 
as  marked  for  hell. 

[Examine  your  heart  at  the  sight  of  the  crucifix: 
and  if  you  feel  a  hatred  for  any  person,  take  senti- 
ments of  charity  from  the  wounds  of  Jesus.] 

"  Whosoever  hateth  his  brother  is  a  murderer."  1 
John,  iii.  15. 

'*  You,  a  Christian,  desire  to  be  revenged!  but 
Christ  hath  not  yet  taken  vengeance."     St.  Jlustin. 

TWEXTT-XIXTH    DAT. 

The  imitation  of  our  Lord. 

1.  The  Son  of  God,  when  he  united  his  divinity  to 
our  human  nature,  became  the  model  of  Christians. 
He  is  the  head  of  the  predestined;  we  are  therefore 
bound  to  resemble  them. 

2.  The  manners  of  the  world  are  carefully  studied; 
the  life  of  Jesus  Christ  is  hardly  thought  upon.  Cour- 
tiers form  themselves  upon  their  prince;  philosophers 
have  been  imitated,  even  in  their  faults.  Did  we  ever 
seriously  strive  to  imitate  Jesus?  Have  we  taken  any 
pains  to  follow  his  example,  or  copy  the  virtues  of 
his  holy  life  ■ 

3.  "What  shall  we  say  for  ourselves  at  the  awful  tri- 
bunal of  divine  justice,  when  we  shall  be  compared 
to  our  model?  When  the  life  of  Jesus  shall  be  op- 
posed to  our  life?  his  humility  to  our  pride,  his  wounds 
to  our  delicacy,  his  sweetness  to  our  anger  and  impa- 
tience, 8cc.  ?  Ah!  what  a  monster  is  a  Christian  with- 
out Christianity!  Baptised!  and  a  slave  of  the  devil! 
Under  the  banner  of  the  Cross1  yet  a  follower  of  the 


358  PIOUS  REFLECTIONS. 

flesh,  and  of  the  world!  We  must  then  renounce 
our  baptism,  or  conform  to  the  life  of  our  Saviour. 

[See  whether  you  bear  any  resemblance  to  the  Son 
of  God,  and  whether  you  may  be  truly  considered  as 
a  disciple  of  a  crucified  Jesus.] 

"  Master,  I  will  follow  thee  whithersoever  thou 
shalt  go."     St.  Matt.  viii.  19. 

**  Without  cause  am  I  a  Christian,  if  I  follow  not 
Christ."     St.  Bernard. 

THIRTIETH  DAT. 

Fervour  in  the  service  of  God. 

1.  Let  us  have  as  much  zeal  for  God  as  he  has  for 
us?  he  acts  exteriorly  only  for  the  perfection  of  our 
souls.  All  the  desires  of  his  heart;  all  the  cares  of  his 
providence;  all  the  tenderness  of  his  mercy,  are  re- 
ferred to  this.  What  a  subject  of  confusion  for  tepid 
souls! 

2.  Were  we  to  judge  of  God  by  our  own  indiffer- 
ence, it  might  be  said  that  he  does  not  deserve  our 
services,  and  that  his  rewards  are  very  trifling.  What 
idea  can  be  had  of  a  master  whose  servants  attend  him 
carelessly,  and  without  the  smallest  affection?  We 
dishonour  God,  we  cry  down  his  service  as  often  as 
we  perform  negligently  what  he  requires  of  us.  Wo 
be  to  the  man,  who  does  the  work  of  God  without 
attention ! 

3.  An  action  done  for  God,  how  trifling  soever  it 
be,  is  of  far  greater  value,  than  all  the  exploits  of  he- 
roes. If  we  pique  ourselves  upon  so  much  coin-age,  in 
labouring  for  vanity,  what  should  be  done,  when  we 
are  employed  for  eternity! — What! — the  servants  oi 


PIOUS  REFLECTIONS.  359 

the  devil  spare  no  pains;  they  do  not  complain  of 
\vh;tL  they  go  through;  they  are  ever  indefatigable:  is 
Jesus  Christ  less  considerable  than  the  devil?  Is  pa- 
radise less  valuable  than  hell?  Hell  then,  shall  be,  as 
it  were,  our  instructor.  We  are  to  love  God,  as  much 
as  tne  damned  hate  him:  we  are  to  serve  God,  as  the 
world  serves  the  devil.     Is  this  too  much? 

[Examine  your  conduct,  with  regard  to  the  service 
of  God.  Consider  the  actions  you  are  most  remiss  in, 
and  excite  yourself  to  perform  them,  henceforth, 
with  a  fervour  worthy  your  master.  ] 

"  In  spirit  fervent,  serving-  the  Lord."  Rom.  xii. 
11. 

"Let  the  ardour  you  formerly  had  for  the  world, 
be  now  entertained  for  him  that  created  it."  St. 
Austin. 

THIRTX-IIRST    BAT. 

Devotion  to  the  mother  of  GocL 

1.  A  purer,  a  more  excellent,  or  a  more  amiable  be- 
ing" than  this  glorious  Virgin,  was  never  yet  created. 
God  having  from  all  eternity,  destined  her  to  be  the 
mother  of  his  Son,  it  was  proper  she  should  be  em- 
bellished with  every  created  excellence,  and  that  her 
dignity  and  influence  in  heaven  should  far  surpass  the 
dignity,  and  influence  of  all  the  other  saints.  Most 
justly  then,  is  she  entitled  to  our  veneration,  respect 
and  confidence. 

2.  We  will  put  ourselves  under  her  protection;  we. 
will  recommend  ourselves  to  her  prayers.  How  great 
9oever  our  wickedness,  how  numerous  soever  our 
faults  shall  have  been,  we  will  always  have  recourse 
to  her,  and  hope,  through  her  prayers,  for  the  grace 


360  PIOUS  REFLECTIONS. 

of  our  conversion.  Her  charity  is  so  great,  her  inter- 
est is  so  powerful,  that  she  must  always  plead  suc- 
cessfully for  the  repenting"  sinner. 

3.  But  let  us  never  forget,  that  to  honour  her  pro- 
perly, is  to  imitate  her  virtue:  that  to  persevere  in  sin, 
upon  the  hopes  of  her  future  intercession,  is  most  ab- 
surd, impious,  and  detestable.  Her  hatred  of  this  evi' 
should  be  always  before  our  eyes;  her  purity,  her 
mildness,  her  patience,  should  ever  be  present  to  us. 

"  Hail,  full  of  grace."     Luke,  i.  28. 

"  O  name!  under  winch  no  one  should  despair."  Si. 
Austin. 


VESPERS, 


THE  EVENING  OFFICE. 


FOIl  SUNDAYS. 


Pater  noster,  &c 

Ave  Maria,  8cc. 

V.  Deus!  inadjutorium 
meum  intende. 

R.  D6mine!  ad  adju- 
vandum  me  festina. 

V.  Gloria  Patri,  etl'ilio, 
et  Spiritui  Sancto. 

R.  Sicut  erat  in  princi- 
pio,  et  nunc,  et  semper, 
et  in  srecula  sxculorum. 
Amen,  Alleluia.  In  Lent; 
Laus  tibi,  Domine!  Rex 
?etern;e  glorire. 


Oun  Father,  &c. 

Hail  Mary,  &c. 

V.  Ixclixe  unto  my  aid, 
O  God! 

R.  O  Lord !  make  haste 
to  help  me. 

V.  Glory  be  to  the  Fa- 
ther, and  to  the  Son,  and 
to  the  Holy  Ghost. 

R.  As  it  was  in  the  be- 
ginning-, is  now,  and  even 
shall  be,  world  without 
end.  Amen,  Alleluia.  In 
Lent;  Praise  be  to  thee, 
O  Lord!  king  of  etermd 
glory. 


Psalm  cix. 
Dixit  D6minusD6mino         The  Lord  said  to  my 
meo  :    *    sede    a   dextris    Lord,  sit  thou  at  my  right 
meis;  hand; 

1 


362 


VESPERS. 


Donee  ponam  inimfcos 
tuos  *  scabellum  pedum 
tu6rum. 

Virgam  virtutis  tuae 
emittet  Dominus  ex  Sion: 

*  domindre  in  medio  in- 
lmicorum  tu6rum. 

Tecum  principium  in 
die  virtiitis  tuae  in  splen- 
dtfribus  sanctorum:  *  ex 
utero  ante  luciferum  ge- 
nui  te. 

Juravit  Dominus,  et  non 
pocnitebit  eum:  *  tu  es 
Sacerdos  in  aeternum,  se- 
cundum ordinem  Melchi- 
sedech. 

Dominus  a  dextris  tuis: 

*  confregit,  in  die  irae  suae, 
reges. 

Judicdbit  in  nationibus; 
implebit  ruinas:  *  con- 
quassabit  capita  in  terra 
mult6rum. 

De  torrente  in  via  bibet; 

*  propterea  exaltdbit  ca- 
put. 

Glona  Patri,  &c. 


Until  I  make  thy  ene- 
mies thy  foot-stool. 

The  Lord  will  send  forth 
the  sceptre  of  thy  power 
out  of  Sion:  rule  thou  in 
the  midst  of  thy  enemies. 

With  thee  is  the  princi- 
pality in  the  day  of  thy 
strength,  in  the  brightness 
of  the  saints:  from  the 
womb,  before  the  day 
star,  I  begot  thee. 

The  Lord  hath  swornt 
and  he  will  not  repent: 
thou  art  a  priest  for  ever, 
according  to  the  order  of 
Melchisedech. 

The  Lord  at  thy  right- 
hand,  hath  broken  kings 
in  the  day  of  his  wrath. 

He  shall  judge  among 
nations:  he  shall  fill  ruins* 
he  shall  crush  the  heads 
in  the  land  of  many. 

He  shall  drink  of  the 
torrent  in  the  way;  there- 
fore shall  he  lift  up  the 
head. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father, 


VESPERS. 


363 


Psalm  ex. 


CoxFiTEBontibi,  Domi- 
ne,  in  toto  corde  meo,  *  in 
concilio  justorum  et  con- 
gregatione. 

Magna  dpera  Domini :  * 
exquisita  in  omnes  volun- 
tates  ejus. 

Confessio  et  magnifi- 
c^ntia  opus  ejus;  *  et  jus- 
ti'tia  ejus  manet  in  sxcu- 
lum  sreculi. 

Memoriam  fecit  mira- 
bilium  suorum  misericors 
ct  miseritor  Do  minus:  * 
escam  dedittimentibusse. 


Memor  erit  in  s?eculum 
testamenti  sui:  *  virtiitem 
operum  suorum  annunti- 
abit  populo  suo. 

Ut  det  illis  hxreditatem 
gentium;  *  opera  manuum 
ejus  Veritas  et  judicium. 


FideTia  omnia  mandata 
ejus,  confirmata  in  sxcu- 
lum  sxculi;  *  facta  in  ve- 
ritdte  et  aequitate 


I  will  pi*aise  thee,  O 
Lord !  with  my  whole 
heart:  in  the  council  or: 
the  just,  and  in  the  con- 
gregation. 

Great  are  the  works  of 
the  Lord:  sought  out  ac- 
cording to  all  his  wills. 

His  work  is  praise  and 
magnificence:  and  his  jus- 
tice continueth  for  ever 
and  ever. 

He  hath  made  a  remem- 
brance of  his  wonderful 
works,  being  a  merciful 
and  gracious  Lord:  he 
hath  given  food  to  them 
that  fear  him. 

He  will  be  mindful  for 
ever  of  his  covenant:  he 
will  show  forth  to  his 
people  the  power  of  his 
works. 

That  he  may  give  them 
the  inheritance  of  the 
g'entiles:  the  works  of  his 
hands  are  truth  and  judg- 
ment. 

All  his  commandments 
are  faithful,  confirmed  for 
ever  and  ever;  made  in 
truth  and  equity. 


364 


VESPERS. 


Redemptionem  misitpo- 
pulo  suo:  *  mandavit  in 
sternum  testamentum  su- 
inn. 

Sanctum  et  tembile 
nomcn  ejus:  *  initium  sa- 
piential timor  Domini. 

Intellectus  bonus  omni- 
bus facie ntib us  eum:  * 
laudatio  ejus  manet  in  sa> 
culum  sxculi. 

Gloria  Patri,  &c. 


He  hath  sent  redemp- 
tion to  his  people:  he  hath 
commanded  his  covenant 
for  ever. 

Holy  and  terrible  is  his 
name;  the  fear  of  the 
Lord  is  the  beginning  of 
wisdom. 

A  good  understanding 
to  all  that  do  it:  his  praise 
continueth  for  ever  and 
ever. 

Glory,  &c. 


Beatus   vu 
Dominum;  *  in  mandatis 
ejus  volet  nimis. 

Potens  in  terra  erit  se- 
men ejus:  *  genera tio  rec- 
torum  benedicetur. 

Gloria  et  divftbe  in  domo 
ejus:  *  et  justitia  ejus  ma- 
net in  saeculum  sxculi. 

Exortum  est  in  tencbris 
lumen  rectis:  *  misericors, 
et  miserator,  et  Justus. 

,1  uciindus  homo  qui  mi- 
serctur  et  commodat,  dis- 


Psalm  cxi. 

qui  timet         Blessed  is  the  man  that 


feareth  the  Lord;  he  shall 
delight  exceedingly  in  his 
commandments. 

His  seed  shall  be  mighty 
upon  earth;  the  genera- 
tion of  the  righteous  shall 
be  blessed. 

Glory  and  wealth  shall 
be  in  his  house:  and  his 
justice  remaineth  for  ever 
and  ever. 

To  the  righteous  a  light 
is  risen  in  darkness:  he  is 
merciful,  and  compassion- 
ate, and  just. 

Acceptable  is  the  man 
that  showeth  mercy,  and 


VESPERS. 


365 


p6net  sermones  suos  in 
judfcio:  *  quia  in  zeternum 
non  commovebitur. 

In  memoria  aeterna  erit 
Justus:  *  ab  auditi6ne  ma- 
la non  timebit. 

Paratum  cor  ejus  spe- 
ra>e  in  Domino;  confir- 
matum  est  cor  ejus;  *  non 
commovebitur  donee  des- 
pi'ciat  inimicos  suos. 

Dispdrsit,  dedit  paupe- 
ribus:  justitia  ejus  manet 
in  saeculum  sxculi:  *  cor- 
nu  ejus  exaltdbiturin  glo- 
ria. 

Peccator  vide  bit,  et 
irascetur:  dentibus  suis 
fremet  et  tabescet;  *  de- 
sideYium  peccatorum  pe- 
rfbit. 

Gloria  Patri,  &.c. 


lendeth;  he  shall  order 
his  words  with  judgment: 
because  he  shall  not  be 
moved  for  ever. 

The  just  shall  be  in 
everlasting  remembrance : 
he  shall  not  fear  the  evil 
hearing. 

His  heart  is  ready  to 
hope  in  the  Lord;  his 
heart  is  strengthened  :  he 
shall  not  be  moved  until 
he  look  over  his  enemies. 

He  hath  distributed;  he 
hath  given  to  the  poor: 
his  justice  remaineth  for 
ever  and  ever:  his  horn 
shall  be  exalted  in  glory. 

The  wicked  shall  see, 
and  shall  be  angry, he  shall 
gnash  with  his  teeth  and 
pine  away:  the  desire  of 
the  wicked  shall  perish. 

Glory,  Etc. 


Psalm  cxii. 


Latjdate,  pueri!  D6mi- 
mim:  *  laudate  nomen 
Domini. 

Sit  nomen  D6mini  be- 

nedfetum,  *  ex  hoc,  nunc, 

et  usque  in  sxculum. 
31* 


children!    praise  ye,  the 
name  of  the  Lord. 

Blessed  be  the  name  of 
the  Lord,  from  hence- 
forth, now,  and  for  ever 


36G 


VESPERS. 


A  solis  ortu  usque  ad 
occasum,  *  laudabile  no- 
men  Domini. 

Excelsus  super  omnes 
gentes  Dominus,  *  et  su- 
per coelos  gloria  ejus. 
Quis  sicut  Dominus  Deus 
noster,  qui  in  altis  habitat, 
*  et  humilia  respicit  in 
coclo  etin  ten-a? 

Suseitans  a  ten*a  fno- 
pem,  *  et  de  stercore  eri- 
gens  pauperem: 

Ut  collocet  eum  cum 
principibus,*  cumprinci- 
pibus  populi  sui. 

Qui  habitare  facit  steri- 
lem  in  domo,  *  matrem 
filiorum  lactantem. 

Gloria  Puti'i,  &c. 

Psalm 
In  exitu  Israel  de  iEgyp- 
to,  *  domus  Jacob  de  po- 
pulo  bdrbaro: 

Facta  est  Judaea  sancti- 
ficatio  ejus,  # Israel  pot£s- 
tas  ejus. 


From  the  rising1  of  the 
sun,  to  the  going  down  of 
the  same,  the  name  of  the 
Lord  is  worthy  of  praise. 

The  Lord  is  high  above 
all  nations;  and  his  glory 
above  the  heavens. 

Who  is  as  the  Lord  our 
God,  who  dwelleth  on 
high,  and  looketh  down 
on  the  low  things  in  hea- 
ven and  in  earth? 

Raising  up  the  needy 
from  the  earth,  lifting  up 
the  poor  out  of  the  dung- 
hill. 

That  he  may  place  him 
with  princes,  with  the 
princes  of  his  people. 

Who  maketh  the  barren 
woman  to  dwell  in  a 
house,  the  joyful  mother 
of  children. 

Glory,  &c. 

cxiii. 

When  Israel  went  out 
of  Egypt,  the  house  of  Ja- 
cob from  a  barbarous  peo- 
ple: 

Judea  was  made  his 
sanctuary,  Israel  his  do- 
minion. 


VESPERS. 


367 


Mare  vidit,  et  fug-it?  # 
Jorddnis  conversus  est  re- 
trdrsum. 

Montes  exultaverunt  ut 
arietes:  *  et  colles  sicut 
agrii  ovium. 

Quid  est  tibi,  mare! 
quodfuglsti?  *  et  tu,  Jor- 
daius!  quia  conversus  es 
retiorsum? 

Montes!  exultastis  sicut 
raietes,  *  et  colles!  sicut 
ugni  ovium? 

A  facie  Domini  mota  est 
terra,  *  a  facie  Dei  Jacob: 


Qui  convertit  petram  in 
stagna  aquarum,  *  etru- 
pem  in  fontes  aquarum. 

Non  nobis,  Domine!  non 
nobis:  *  sed  nomini  tuo  da 
gloriam. 

Super  miseric6rdia  tua, 
et  veritate  tua:  #  nequan- 
do  dicant  g*entes:  ubi  est 
Deus  eorum? 

Deus  autem  noster  in 
ccelo:  *  6mnia,  quxcun- 
que  vdluit,  fecit 


The  sea  saw,  and  fled. 
Jordan  was  turned  back. 

The  mountains  skipped 
like  rams,  and  the  hills, 
like  the  lambs  of  the  flock. 
What  ailed  thee,  O  thou 
sea!  that  thou  didst  flee? 
and  thou,  O  Jordan!  that 
thou  wast  turned  back? 

Ye  mountains!  that  ye 
skipped  like  rams?  and  ye 
hills!  like  lambs  of  the 
flock? 

At  the  presence  of  the 
Lord,  the  earth  was  mov- 
ed,— at  the  presence  of 
the  God  of  Jacob. 

Who  turned  the  rock 
into  pools  of  waters,  and 
the  stony  hill  into  foun- 
tains of  waters. 

Not  to  us,  O  Lord!  not 
to  us;  but  to  thy  name 
give  g-lory. 

For  thy  mercy  and  for 
thy  truth's  sake:  lest  the 
gentiles  should  say: 
where  is  their  God? 

But  our  God  is  in  hea- 
ven: he  hath  done  all 
things  whatsoever  he 
would. 


368 


VESPERS. 


Simulacra  gentium  ar- 
gentum,  et  aurum,#  opera 
manuum  hominum. 

Os  habent,  et  non  lo- 
quentur:  *  oculos  habent, 
et  non  videbunt. 

Aures  habent,  et  non 
audient;  *  nares  habent, 
et  non  odorabunt. 

Manus  habent,  et  non 
palpabunt:  pedes  habent, 
et  non  ambulabunt:  #non 
clamabunt  in  giitture  suo. 

Similes  illis  fiant,  qui 
faciunt  ea,  #  et  omnes  qui 
conf  fdunt  in  eis. 

Domus  Israel  speravit 
in  Domino:  *  adjutor  eo- 
rum,  et  protector  eorum 
est. 

Domus  Aaron  speravit 
in  Domino:  *  adjutor  e6- 
rum,  et  protector  e6rum 
est. 

Qui  timent  D6minum, 
speraverunt  in  Domino:  # 
adjutor  eorum,  et  protec- 
tor edrum  est. 

D6minus  memor  fuit 
nostri;  *  et  benedixit  no- 
bis. 


The  idols  of  the  gentiles 
are  silver  and  gold,  the 
works  of  the  hands  of  men. 
They  have  mouths,  and 
speak  not:  they  have 
eyes,  and  see  not. 

They  have  ears,  and 
hear  not:  they  have  noses, 
and  smell  not. 

They  have  hands,  and 
feel  not:  they  have  feet, 
and  walk  not:  neither 
shall  they  ciy  out  through 
their  throat. 

Let  them  that  make 
them,  become  like  unto 
them,  and  all  such  as  trust 
in  them. 

The  house  of  Israel  hath 
hoped  in  the  Lord;  he  is 
their  helper  and  their 
protector. 

The  house  of  Aaron 
hath  hoped  in  the  Lord: 
he  is  their  helper  and  their 
protector. 

They  that  fear  the  Lord, 
have  hoped  in  the  Lord: 
he  is  their  helper,  and 
their  protector. 

The  Lord  hath  been 
mindful  of  us;  and  hath 
blessed  us. 


VESPEkS. 


Benedixit  domui  Israel: 
benedixit  domui  Aaron. 


Benedixit  omnibus  qui 
timentDominum;  *  pusfl- 
lis  cum  majdribus. 

Ad  jiciat  Dominus  super 
vos;  *  super  vos  et  super 
filios  vestros. 

Benedicti  vos  a  Domi- 
no, *  qui  fecit  codum  et 
terrain. 

Ccclum  cadi  Domino:  * 
terram  autem  dedit  filiis 
h6minum. 

Non  mortui  laudabunt 
te,  Domine!  *  neque  om- 
ncs  qui  descendunt  in  in- 
fernum. 

Sed  nos  qui  vivimus  be- 
nedfclmus  Domino,  *  ex 
I  ioc,  nunc,  et  usque  in 
sxculum. 

Gloria  Patn,  &.c 

[The  following"  Psalm  is 
in  place  of  the  foregoing-.] 

Psalm 
Laudato  Dominum  om- 
nes  g-entcs:  *  lauddte  eum 
omnes  populi. 


He  hath  blessed  the 
house  of  Israel;  he  hath 
blessed  the  house  of 
Aaron. 

He  hath  blessed  all  that 
fear  the  Lord;  both  little 
and  great. 

May  the  Lord  add  bless- 
ing's upon  you;  upon  you 
and  upon  your  children. 

Blessed  be  you  of  the 
Lord,  who  made  heaven 
and  earth. 

The  heaven  of  heaven 
is  the  Lord's  •  but  the  earth 
he  has  g-iven  the  children 
of  men. 

The  dead  shall  not 
praise  thee,  O  Lord!  nor 
any  of  them  that  go  down 
to  hell. 

But  we  that  live,  bless 
the  Lord,  from  this  time, 
now,  and  for  ever. 

Glory,  &c. 
sung*  on  sundry  Festivals, 

cxvi. 

O  pitAisE  the  Lord,  all 
ye  nations!  praise  him,  all 
ye  people! 


370  VESPERS. 

Quoniam  confirmata  est  For  his  mercy  is  con- 
super  nos  misericordia  firmed  upon  us:  and  the 
ejus:  *  et  Veritas  Domini  truth  of  the  Lord  remain- 
manet  in  zeternum .  eth  for  ever. 

Gloria  Patri,  &c.  Gloiy,  &c. 

Capitulum,  2  Cor.  i. 

Benedictus     Deus    et  Blessed    be    the    Goa 

Pater  Domini  nostri,  Jesu  and  Father  of  our  Lord 

Christi,   Pater   misericor-  Jesus   Christ,  the    Father 

diarum,    et    Deus    totius  of  mercies,  and  the  God 

consolationis,  qui   conso-  of  all  comfort,  who  corn- 

latur  nos  in  omni  tribula-  forteth  us  in  all  our  tribu- 

tione  nostra.  lation. 

R.  Deo  gi-atias.  A.  Thanks  be  to  God. 

The  Hymn, 
Lucis  Creator  optime! 
Lucem  die  rum  proferens, 
Primordiis  lucis  novas, 
Mundi  parans  on'g-inem. 

Qui  mane  junctum  vesperi, 
Diem  vocari  prxcipis; 
Illabitur  tetrum  chaos; 
Audi  preces  cum  fletibus; 

Ne  mens,  gravata  cn'mine, 
Vitas  sit  exul  munere; 
Dum  nil  perenne  cogitat, 
Seseque  culpis  illig-at. 

Coeleste  pulset  ostium, 
Vitale  tollat  prasmium: 
Vitemus  omne  noxium: 
Purgemus  omne  pessimum 


VESPEKS.  371 

Praesta,  Pater  piissime! 

Patrique  compar  unice, 

Cum  Spiritu  Paraclito, 

Regnans  per  omne  sxculum.  Amen. 
f7".  Dirigdtur,  Domine!  oratio  mea, 
TL  Sicut  incensum  in  conspectu  tuo. 

The  same  in  English. 
O  great  Creator  of  the  light! 
Who  from  the  darksome  womb  cf  night, 
Brought'st  forth  new  light  at  nature's  birth, 
To  shine  upon  the  face  of  earth. 

"Who,  by  the  morn  and  ev'ning  ray, 
Hast  measur'd  time  and  call'd  it  day: 
"Whilst  sable  night  involves  the  spheres, 
Vouchsafe  to  hear  our  pray  rs  and  tears; 

Lest  our  frail  mind,  with  sin  defil'd 
From  gift  of  life,  should  be  exiled, 
"Whilst  on  no  heavenly  tiling  she  thinks; 
But  twines  herself  In  satan's  links. 

O  may  she  soar  to  heav'n  above, 
The  happy  seat  of  life  and  love; 
Meantime,  all  sinful  actions  shun, 
And  purge  the  foul  ones,  she  has  done. 

This  pray'r  most  gracious  Father!  hear, 
Thy  equal  Son  incline  his  ear, 
"Who,  with  the  Holy  Ghost  and  thee, 
Doth  live  and  reign  eternally.  Amen. 

V.  May  my  prayer,  O  Lord!  be  directed, 

R.  As  incense  in  thy  sight 


37-3 


VESPERS. 


Tlie  Magnificat,  or  the  Canticle  of  the  blessed 
Virgin,  St.  Luke,  i. 

Mr  soul  doth  magnify 
the  Lord. 

And  my  spirit  hath  re- 
joiced in  God  my  Saviour. 


Magnificat  *  anima 
mea  Dominum. 

Et  exultdvit  Spiritus 
mens  *  in  Deo  salutari 
meo. 

Quia  respexit  humilita- 
tem  anciliae  suae,  *  ecce 
enim  ex  hoc,  beatam  me 
dicent  omnes  genera- 
tiones. 

Quia  fecit  *nihi  magna 
qui  potens  est;  *  et  sanc- 
tum nomen  ejus. 

Et  misericordia  ejus  a 
progenie  in  progenies,  * 
timentibus  eum. 

Fecit  potentiam  in  bra- 
chio  suo:  *  dispersit  su- 
perbos  mente  cordis  sui. 

I)ep6suit,  potentes  de 
sedc:  *  et  exaltavit  hu- 
miles. 

Esurie*ntes  implevit  bo- 
nis :  •  et  dfvites  dimisit 
indnes. 


Because  he  hath  re- 
garded the  humility  of  his 
handmaid:  for  behold 
from  henceforth  all  gene- 
rations shall  call  me  bless- 
ed. 

For  he  that  is  mighty 
hath  done  great  things  to 
me :  and  holy  is  his  name. 

And  his  mercy  is  from 
generation  to  generation 
to  them  that  fear  him. 

He  hath  showed  might 
in  his  arm:  he  hath  scat- 
tered the  proud  in  the 
conceit  of  their  heart. 

He  hath  put  down  the. 
mighty  from  their  seat; 
and  hath  exalted  the  hum- 
ble. 

He  hath  filled  the  hun- 
gry with  good  things;  and 
the  rich  he  hath  sent  emp. 
ty  away. 


VESPERS. 


373 


Suscepit  Israel  puerum 
suum;  *  recordatus  mise- 
ricordix  suae. 

Sicut  locutus  est  ad  pa- 
tres  nostros;  *  Abraham 
et  semini  ejus  in  saecula. 

Gloria  Patri,  8cc. 


He  hath  received  Israel 
his  servant;  being-  mindful 
of  his  mercy. 

As  he  spoke  to  our  fa- 
thers; to  Abraham  and  to 
his  seed  for  ever. 

Glory,  he. 


[Then  follows  the  prayer,  wliich  is  different  every 
Sunday.] 

V.  The  Lord  be  with 
you. 

R.  And  with  thy  spirit. 

V.  Let  us  bless  the 
Lord. 

R.  Thanks  be  to  God. 

V.  May  the  souls  of  the 
faithful,  through  the  mer- 
cy of  God,  rest  in  peace. 

R.  Amen. 

Our  Father,  &c. 


V.  Dominus  vobfscum. 

R.  Et  cum  spiritu  tuo, 

V.  Benedicamus  Domi- 
no. 

R.  Deo  gratias. 

V.  Fidelium  animx,  per 
misericordiam  Dei,  requi- 
e'scant  in  pace. 

R.  Amen. 

Pater  noster,  &c. 


[When  Complin  is  not  said  immediately  after  Ves- 
pers, after  the  verse,  Fidelium  animx,  &c.  May  the 
souls,  &c.  and,  Our  Father. — is  said,] 

V.  Dominus  det  nobis  V.  Our  Lord  grant  us 
suam  pacem,  his  peace! 

R.  Et  vitam  xte'rnam.  R.  And  life  everlasting. 
Amen.  Amen. 

[Then  is  said  one  of  the  following  anthem/?,  ac- 
cording to  the  time.] 
32 


374 


VESPERS. 


The  Anthem,  from  the  first  Sunday  of  Advent 
till  the  Purification,  inclusive. 

Mother  of  Jesus!  hea 


Alxa  Redemptoris  ma- 
ter, quae  pervia  cocli, 

Porta  manes,  et  stella 
maris,  succiirre  cadenti, 

Siirgere  qui  curat  po- 
pulo;  tu  quae  genuisti, 

Natura  mirante,  tuum 
sanctum  genitorem, 

Virgo  prius  ac  posterius : 
Gabrielis  ab  ore, 

Sumens  illud  Ave,  pec- 
catorum  miserere. 


Ten's  open  gate, 

Star  of  the  sea,  support 
the  fallen  state 

Of  mortals;  thou  whose 
womb  thy  maker  bore; 

And  yet,  strange  tiling-, 
a  virgin,  as  before; 

Who  didst,  from  Gabri- 
el's hail,  this  news  receive. 

Repenting  sinners  by 
thy  prayers  relieve. 


In  Advent. 


V.  Angelus  Domini  nun- 
tiavit  Manx. 

R.  Et  conce'pit  de  Spi- 
ritu  Sancto. 

Orernus. 

Gratiam  tuam  qusesu- 
mus,  Domine!  mentibus 
nostris  infunde;  ut  qui, 
dngelo  nuntiante,  Christi, 
Filii  tui  incarnationem 
cogndvimus,  per  passi- 
<5nem  ejus  et  crucem, 
ad  resurrectionis  gloriam 


V.  The  angel  of  the 
Lord  declared  his  mes- 
sage to  Mary. 

R.  And  she  conceived 
by  the  Holy  Ghost 

Let  its  pray. 

Pour  forth,  we  beseech 
thee,  O  Lord!  thy  grace 
into  our  hearts,  that  we, 
to  whom  the  incarnation 
of  thy  Son  has  been  made 
known  by  the  message  of 
an  angel,  may,  by  his  pas- 
sion and  cross,  be  brought 


VESPERS. 


375 


perducamur.  Pereundem 
Christum,  D6minum  nos- 
trum.    R.  Amen. 


to  the  glory  of  his  resur- 
rection: through  the  same 
Christ,  our  Lord.  R. 
Amen. 


After  Advent. 


V.  Post  partum  virgo 
.nviolata  permansisti. 

R.  Dei  genitrix !  inter- 
cede pro  nobis. 

Oremus. 
Decs!  qui  salutis  xter- 
nx  beatse  Marise  virgini- 
tate  foeciinda  humano  ge- 
neri  prxmia  praestitisti : 
tribue,  quxsumus,  ut  ip- 
sam  pro  nobis  intercedere 
sentiamus,  per  quam  me- 
ruimus  Auctorem  vitac 
suscipere  Dominum  nos- 
trum Jesum  Christum,  fili- 
um  tuum.     R.  Amen. 


V.  After  child-birth  tboa 
didst  remain  an  inviolate 
virgin. 

R.  Mother  of  God!  make 
intercession  for  us. 

Let  us  pray. 
O  God  !  who  by  the  fruit- 
ful virginity  of  the  blessed 
virgin  Man',  hast  given  to 
mankind  the  rewards  of 
eternal  salvation;  grant, 
we  beseech  thee,  that  we 
may  be  sensible  of  the  be- 
nefits of  her  intercession, 
by  whom  we  have  re- 
ceived the  Author  of  life, 
our  Lord,  Jesus  Christ, 
thy  son.     It.  Amen. 


From  the  Purification  till  Easter. 
Ave,  Regina  coelorum!         Hail,   Mary,  queen  of 
heavenly  spheres! 

Hail,  whom  the  angelic 
host  reveres! 

Hail,  fruitful  root,  hail 
sacred  gate ! 


Ave,  D6mina  angeld- 
fum! 

Salve, radix!  salve,  por- 
ta! 


376 


VESPERS. 


Ex  qua  mundo  lux  est 
orta. 

Gaude,  virgo  gloriosa! 

Super  omnes  speciosa; 

Yale,  O  valde  decora! 

Et  pro  nobis  Christum 
exdra. 

V.  Dign&re  me  laudare 
te,  virgo  sacrata! 

R.  Da  mihi  virtutem 
contra  hostes  tuos. 

Or  emus. 
Concede,  misericors  De- 
us!  fragility  ti  nostrse  pre- 
sidium; ut  qui  sanctse  Dei 
genetricis  memoriam  &- 
gimus,  intercessionis  ejus 
auxilio  a  nostris  iniquita- 
tibus  resurgamus.  Per 
eundem  Cliristum,  Domi- 
num  nostrum.   R.  Amen. 


"Whence  the  world's 
light  derives  its  date. 

O  glorious  maid,  with 
bea  ity  blessed! 

May  joys  eternal  fill  thy 
breast! 

Thus  crown' d  w  ilh 
beauty  and  with  joy, 

Thy  prayers  with  Christ 
for  us  employ. 

V.  Vouchsafe,  O  sacred 
virgin  !  to  accept  my 
praises. 

R.  Give  me  power 
against  thy  enemies. 

Let  us  pray.. 
Ghant  us,  O  merciful 
God!  strength  against  all 
our  weakness;,  that  we, 
who  celebrate  the  memo- 
ry of  the  holy  mother  of 
God,  may,  by  the  help 
of  her  intercession,  rise 
again  from  our  iniquities: 
through  the  same  Christ 
our  Lord.     R.  Amen. 


From  Easter  until  Trinity. 

TlEGiNACoeli!  laetare,  Al-  O  Queen  of  heaven!  re« 
leluia;  joice,  Alleluia; 

Quia  quern  meruisti  por-  For  he  whom  thou  didst 
tare,  Adleliiia;  deserve  to  bear,  Alleluia; 


VESPERS. 


377 


Resurrexit,  sicut  dixit, 
Alleluia. 

Ora  pro  nobis  Deum, 
Alleluia. 

V.  Gaude  et  lxtare, 
Virg"o  Maria!  Alleluia. 

R.  Quia  resurrexit  Do- 
minus  vere,  Alleluia. 

Oremus. 
Decs!  qui,  per  resur- 
rectionem  Filii  tui,  Domi- 
ni nostri,  Jesu  Christi, 
mundum  lxtiiicare  digna- 
lus  es,  praesta,  qucesumus, 
ut  per  ejus  genitricem 
virginem  Mariam  perp£- 
lu?e  capiamus  g-audia  vitae. 
Per  eundem  Christum, 
Ddminum  nostrum.  R. 
Amen. 


Is  risen  again  as  he  said, 
Alleluia. 

Pray  for  us  to  God,  Al- 
leluia. 

V.  Rejoice  and  be  glad, 
O  Virgin  Mary!  Alleluia. 

R.  Because  our  Lord  is 
truly  risen,  Alleluia. 

Let  us  pray. 
O  God!  who  by  the  re- 
surrection of  thy  Son,  our 
Lord,  Jesus  Christ,  hath 
been  pleased  to  fill  the 
world  with  joy;  grant  we 
beseech  thee,  that  by  the 
virgin  Mary,  his  mother, 
we  may  receive  the  joys 
of  eternal  life:  through 
the  same  Christ,  our  Lord. 
R.  Amen. 


From  Trinity  Sunday  until  Advent. 


Salve,  regina,  mater 
misericdrdiae!  vita,  dulce- 
do,  et  spes  nostra,  salve! 

Ad  te  clamamus,  exules 
filii  Eve.  Ad  te  suspira- 
mus,  gementes  et  flentes, 
in  hac  laciymarum  valle. 


32* 


Hail,  O  Queen,  O  mo- 
ther of  mercy!  hail,  our 
life,  our  comfort,  and  our 
hope! 

"We,  the  banished  chil- 
dren of  Eve,  cry  out  unto 
thee.  To  thee  we  send 
up  our  si^hs,  groaning" 
and  weeping  in  this  vale 
of  tears. 


373 


VESPERS. 


Eia  ergo  advocata  nos- 
tra, illos  tuos  misericordes 
oculos  ad  nos  converte. 

Et  Jesum  benedfctum 
fructum  ventris  tui  nobis 
post  hoc  exilium  ostende; 

O  clemens!  O  pia!  O 
dulcis  Virgo  Maria! 

V.  Ora  pro  nobis,  sanc- 
ta  Dei  Genitrix! 

JR..  Ut  digni  efficiamur 
promissionibus  Christi. 

Or  emus. 

Omxipotexs,  sempi- 
terne  Deus!  qui  gloriosae 
Virginis  Matris  Marfae  cor- 
pus et  animam,  ut  dignum 
Fflii  tui  habitaculum  effi- 
ci  mereretur,  Spiritu 
Sancto  co-operante,  prac- 
parasti;  da,  ut  cujus  com- 
memoratione  lxtamur  ejus 
pia  intercessione  ab  in- 
stantibus  malis,  et  a  morte 
perpetualiberemur.  Per 
eiindem  Christum,  Domi- 
num  nostrum.  R.  Amen. 


Come,  then,  our  advo- 
cate, and  look  upon  us 
with  those  thy  pitying 
eyes. 

And  after  this  our  ban- 
ishment, show  us  Jesus, 
the  blessed  fruit  of  thy 
womb ; 

O  merciful!  O  pious!  O 
sweet  Virgin  Mary! 

V.  Pray  for  us,  O  holy 
mother  of  God! 

R.  That  we  may  be 
made  worthy  of  the  pro- 
mises of  Christ. 

Let  us  pray. 

Almighty  and  eternal 
God!  who,  by  the  co-ope- 
ration of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
didst  prepare  the  body 
and  soul  of  the  glorious 
virgin  mother,  Mary,  that 
she  might  become  a  wor- 
thy habitation  for  thy  Son; 
grant,  that  as  with  joy  we. 
celebrate  her  memory,  so 
by  her  pious  intercession 
we  may  be  delivered  from 
present  evils  and  eternal 
death-  through  the  same 
Christ,  our  Lord.  Ii 
Amen. 


VESPERS. 


379 


V.  Divinum  auxilium 
maneat  semper  nobiscum. 
R.  Amen. 


V.  May  the  divine  as- 
sistance always  remain 
■with  us.  R.  Amen. 


OX    FESTIVALS    OF    THE    BLESSED    VIRGIN    MART. 

Psalms,  Dixit  Dominus,  &c.  page  361,  and  Laudate 
pueri,  Dominum,  &c.  page  365. 

Psalm  cxxi. 


Lstatus  sum  in  his  quae 
dicta  sunt  mihi:  *  in  do- 
mum  Domini  ibimus. 

Stantes  erant  pedes 
nosti-i  *  in  atriis  tuis,  Je- 
rusalem. 

Jerusalem,  qux  aedifi- 
catur  ut  ci vitas:  *  cujus 
participdtio  ejus  in  idip- 
sum. 

lliuc  enim  ascenderunt 
tribus,  tribus  Domini?  * 
testim6nium  Israel,  ad 
confitendum  nomini  Do- 
mini. 

Quia  illic  sederunt  se- 
des  in  judicio,  #  sedes  su- 
per domum  David. 

Itog&te  quae  ad  pacem 
sunt  Jerusalem:  *etabun- 
dantia  diligentibus  te. 


T  rejoiced  at  the  things 
that  were  said  to  me,  we 
shall  go  into  the  house  of 
the  Lord. 

Our  feet  were  standing 
in  thy  courts,  O  Jerusa- 
lem! 

Jerusalem,  which  is 
built  as  a  city:  which  is 
compact  together. 

For  thither  did  the 
tribes  go  up,  the  tribes  of 
the  Lord,  the  testimony 
of  Israel,  to  praise  the 
name  of  the  Lord. 

Because,  there,  seats 
have  sat  in  judgment,seats 
upon  the  house  of  David. 

Pray  ye  for  the  things 
that  are  for  the  peace  ol 
Jerusalem:  and  abun- 
dance for  them,  that  love 
thee. 


380 


VESPERS. 


Fiat  pax  in  virtu te  tua:  * 
et  abundantia  in  turribus 
tuis. 

Propter  fratres  meos  et 
proximos  meos,  *  loque- 
bar  pacem  de  te. 

Propter  doraum  Domi- 
ni, Dei  noslri,  *  quxsivi 
bona  tibi. 


Gloria  Patri,  Sec. 


Let  peace  be  in  thy 
strength:  and  abundance 
in  thy  towers. 

For  the  sake  of  my 
brethren,  and  of  my 
neighbours,  I  spoke  peace 
of  thee. 

Because  of  the  house 
of  the  Lord,  our  God,  I 
have  sought  g-ood  things 
for  thee. 

Glory,  &c. 


Psalm  exxvi. 


Nisi  Dominus  xdifica- 
verit  domum;  *  in  vanum 
laboraverunt  qui  xdificant 
earn. 

Nisi  Dominus  custodf- 
erit  civitdtem,  *  frustra 
vigilat  qui  custodit  earn. 

Vanum  est  vobis  ante 
lucem  surgere:  #  surgite 
postquam  sederitis,  qui 
manduedtis  panem  dol6ris. 

Cum  dederit  dilectis 
suis  somnum:  *  ecce  hx- 
r<Sditas  Domini,  filii:  mer- 
ces  fmctus  ventris- 


Except  the  Lord  build 
the  house,  they  labour  in 
vain  that  build  it 

Except  the  Lord  keep 
the  city,  he  watch eth  in 
vain  that  keepeth  it. 

It  is  vain  for  you  to  rise 
before  light:  rise  ye  after 
you  have  sitten,  you  that 
eat  the  bread  of  sorrow. 

When  he  shall  give 
sleep  to  his  beloved:  be- 
hold children  are  the  in- 
heritance of  the  Lord., 
their  reward,  the  fruit  of 
the  womb. 


VESPERS. 


361 


Sicut  sagittse  in  manu 
potentis,  *  ita  filii  excus- 
sorum. 

Beatu3  vir  qui  implevit 
desiderium  suum  ex  ip- 
sis:  #  non  confundetur 
cum  loquetur  inimicis  suis 
in  porta. 

Gloria  Patri,  &c. 

Psalm 
Lauiu,  Jerusalem,  D6- 

minum:  *  lauda  Deum  tu- 

um,  Sion. 
Quoniam  confortavit  se- 

ras    portarum  tuarum:  * 

benedixit  filiis  tuis  in  te. 

Qui  p6suit  fines  tuos  pa- 
cem:  *  et  ddipe  frumenti 
satiat  te. 

Qui  erru'ttit  eloquium 
suum  terra:.-  *  velociter 
currit  sermo  ejus. 

Qui  dat  nivem  sicut 
lanam:  *  nebulam  sicut 
Cinerem  sparg-it. 

Mittit  crystallum  suam 
sicut  buccellas:  *  ante  fa- 
ciem  frigoris  ejus,  quis 
sustinebit' 


As  arrows  in  the  hand 
of  the  mighty,  so  are  the 
children  of  them  that  have 
been  shaken. 

Blessed  is  the  man  that 
hath  filled  his  desire  with 
them:  he  shall  not  be  con- 
founded when  he  shall 
speak  to  his  enemies  in 
the  gate. 

Glory,  &c. 

clxvii. 

Praise  the  Lord,  O  Je- 
rusalem !  praise  thy  God, 
O  Sion! 

Because  he  hath  strength- 
ened the  bolts  of  thy  g-ates : 
he  hath  blessed  thy  chil- 
dren within  thee. 

Who  hath  placed  peace 
in  thy  borders,  and  filleth 
thee  with  the  fat  of  corn. 

Who  sendeth  forth  his 
speech  to  the  earth:  his 
word  runneth  swiftly. 

Who  g-iveth  snow  like 
wool:  scattereth  mists 
like  ashes. 

He  sendeth  his  ice  like 
morsels-  who  shall  stand 
before  the  face  of  his 
cokP 


382 


VESPERS. 


Emfttet  verbum  suum 
et  liquefaciet  ea;  *  flabit 
spiritus  ejus,  et  fluent 
aquae. 

Qui  annunciat  verbum 
suum  Jacob,  #  justitias  et 
j  udicia  sua  Israel. 

Non  fecit  taliter  omni 
nationi;  #  et  judicia  sua 
non  manifestavit  eis. 


Gloria  Patri,  Sec. 


He  shall  send  out  his 
word,  and  shall  melt 
them:  his  wind  shall  blow 
and  the  waters  shall  run. 

Who  declare th  his  worn 
to  Jacob:  his  justices  and 
his  judgments  to  Israel. 

He  hath  not  done  in 
like  manner  to  every  na- 
tion: and  his  judgments 
he  hath  not  made  mani- 
fest to  them. 

Glory,  &c. 


The  Hymn. 

Ave  maris  stella, 
Dei  mater  alma, 
Atque  semper  Virgo, 
Felix  coeli  porta. 

Sumens  illud  Ave, 
Gabrielis  ore, 
Funda  nos  in  pace, 
Mutans  Hevae  nomen. 

Solve  vincla  reis, 
Profer  lumen  excis, 
Mala  nostra  pelle, 
Bona  cuncta  posce. 

Monstra  te  esse  matrem, 
Sumat  per  te  preces, 
Qui  pro  nobis  natus 
Tulit  esse  tuus. 


VESPERS.  383 

Virgo  singularis, 
Inter  omnes  mitis, 
Nos  culpis  solutos, 
Mites  fac,  et  castos. 

Vitam  prxsta  puram, 
Iter  para  tutum, 
Ut  videntes  Jesum, 
Semper  collxtemur. 

Sit  laus  Deo  Patri, 
Summo  Christo  decus, 
Spintui  Sancto, 
Tribus  honor  unus.     Amen. 

V.  Diffusa  est  gratia  in  labiis  tuis. 

R.  Propterea  benedixit  te,  Deus,  in  xternum. 


The  same  in  English. 

Bright  Mother  of  our  Maker,  hail! 

Thou  Virgin  ever  blessed; 
The  ocean's  Star,  by  which  we  sail, 

And  gain  the  port  of  rest! 

Whilst  we  this  Ave  thus  to  thee, 
From  Gabriel's  mouth  rehearse; 

Prevail,  that  peace  our  lot  may  be, 
And  Eva's  name  reverse. 

Release  our  long  entangled  mind, 

From  all  the  snares  of  ill; 
With  heav'nly  light  instruct  the  blind, 

And  all  our  vows  fulfil- 


334  VESPERS. 

Exert  for  us  a  Mother's  care, 

And  us,  thy  Children,  own; 
Prevail  with  him  to  hear  our  pray'r, 

Who  chose  to  be  thy  Son. 

0  spotless  maid!  whose  virtues  shine, 

With  brightest  purity; 
Each  action  of  our  life  refine, 

And  make  us  pure  like  thee. 

Preserve  our  lives  unstain'd  from  ill; 

And  guard  us  in  our  way; 
That  Christ,  one  day,  our  souls  may  fill 

With  joys  that  ne'er  decay. 

To  God  the  Father,  endless  praise; 

To  God  the  Son,  the  same; 
And  Holy  Ghost,  whose  equal  rays, 
One  equal  glory  claim.     Amen. 
V.    Grace  is  poured  abroad  in  thy  lips. 
R.  Therefore  hath  God  blessed  thee  for  ever. 

OX  FESTIVALS  OF  THE   APOSTLES. 

Second   Vespers. 
Psalms,  Dixit  Dominus,  page  361,  Laudate  pueri 
Dominum,  page  365. 

Psalm  cxv. 
Credidi,  propter  quod        I  have  believed,  there- 
locutussum:  *  ego  autem     fore  have  I  spoken:  but  I 
humiliatus  sum  nimis.  have   been  humbled  ex- 

ceedingly. 
Ego    dixi   in    excessu        I    said  in  my  excess, 
mco:  *  omnis  homo  men-    every  man  is  a  liar, 
dax. 


VESPERS. 


J85 


Quid  retribuam  Domi- 
no, *  pro  omnibus  qux 
retribuit  mihi? 


What  shall  I  render  to 
the  Lord,  for  all  the  things 
that  he  hath  rendered  to 


Calicem  salutaris  acci- 
piam,  #  et  nomen  Domini 
invocabo. 

Vota  mea  Domino  red- 
dam  coram  omni  populo 
ejus:  *  pretiosa  in  con- 
spectu  Domini  mors  sanc- 
torum ejus. 

O  D6mine,quia  ego  ser- 
vus  tuus:  *  ego  servus  tu- 
us,  et  films  ancillx  tux. 

Dirupisti  vincula  mea: 
*  tibi  sacrificabo  hostiam 
laudis,  et  nomen  Domini 
invocabo. 

Vota  mea  Domino  red- 
dam  in  conspectu  omnis 
populi  ejus:  *  in  atriis  do- 
mus  Domini,  in  medio  tui, 
Jerusalem. 

G16ria  Patri,  &c. 


I  will  take  the  chalice 
of  salvation;  and  I  will 
call  upon  the  name  of  the 
Lord. 

I  will  pay  my  vows  to 
the  Lord,  before  all  his 
people:  precious,  in  the 
sig-ht  of  the  Lord,  is  the 
death  of  his  saints. 

0  Lord!  for  I  am  thy 
servant:  I  am  thy  servant, 
and  the  son  of  thy  hand- 
maid. 

Thou  hast  broken  my 
bond,  I  will  sacrifice  to 
thee  the  sacrifice  of  praise, 
and  I  will  call  upon  the 
name  of  the  Lord. 

1  will  pay  my  vows  to 
the  Lord  in  the  sig-ht  of  all 
his  people,  in  the  courts 
of  the  house  of  the  Lord: 
in  the  midst  of  thee,  O 
Jerusalem! 

Glory,  &c. 


Psalm  exxv. 
Ix  convertendo  D6mi-       Whex  the  Lord  brought 


nus  captivitatem, 
33 


Sion,  *     back  the  captivity  of  Sion, 


VESPERS. 


facti  sumus  sicut  conso- 
lati. 

Tunc  repletum  est.  gau- 
dio  os  nostiiim,*  et  lingua 
nostra  exultatione. 

Tunc  dicent  inter  Ren- 
tes, *  magnificdvit  Domi- 
nus  facere  cum  eis. 

Magnificavit  Dominus 
facere  nobiscum:  *  facti 
sumus  lastantes. 

Converte  Domine  cap- 
tivitatem  nostram,  *  sicut 
torrens  in  austro. 

Qui  seminant  in  lachry- 
mis,  *  in  exultatione  me- 
tent. 

Euntes  ibant  et  flebant, 
*  mittentes  semina  sua. 

Venientes  autem  veni- 
ent  cum  exultatione,  * 
portdntes  manipulos  suos. 

Gloria  Patri,  Sec. 

Psalm 

Doxine  probasti  me  et 
cognovisti  me:  *  tu  cog- 
novisti sessionem  meam 
et  resurrectionem  meam. 

Intellexisti  cogitationes 
meas  de  longe :  *  semitam 
meam  et  fum'culum  meum 
investigdsti. 


we  became  like  men  com 
foiled. 

Then  was  our  mouth 
filled  with  gladness?  and 
our  tongue  with  joy. 

Then  shall  they  say 
among  the  gentiles:  the 
Lord  hath  done  great 
things  for  them. 

The  Lord  hath  done 
great  things  for  us:  we  are 
become  joyful. 

Turn  again  our  captivi- 
ty, O  Lord!  as  a  stream  in 
the  south. 

They  that  sow  in  tears, 
shall  reap  in  joy. 

Going1,  they  went  and 
wept,  casting  their  seeds. 

But  coming,  they  shall 
come  with  joyfulness,  car- 
rying their  sheaves. 

Glory,  &c. 
exxxviii. 

Lonn !  thou  hast  proved 
me  and  known  me:  thou 
hast  known  my  sitting- 
down  and  my  rising  up. 

Thou  hast  understood 
my  thoughts  afar  off:  my 
path  and  my  line  thou 
hast  searched  out. 


VESPERS. 


38? 


Et  omnes  vias  meas 
prxvidisti:  *  quia  non  est 
sermo  in  lingua  mea. 

Ecce,  Ddmine,  tu  cog- 
novfsti  omnia,  novissima 
et  antiqua:  *  tu  formasti 
me,  et  posuisti  super  me 
manum  tuam. 

Mirabilis  facta  est  sci- 
entia  tua  ex  me :  *  confor- 
tata  est,  et  non  potero  ad 
earn. 

Quo  ibo  a  spiritu  tuo?  * 
et  quo  a  facie  tua  fugiam  ? 

Si  ascendero  in  coelum, 
tu  illic  es:  *  si  descendero 
in  infernum,  ades. 

Si  sumpsero  pennas 
meas  diluculo,  *  et  habi- 
tavero  in  extremis  maris. 

Etenim  illuc  manus  tua 
deducet  me;  *  et  tenebit 
me  dextera  tua. 

Et  dixi,  forsitan  tene- 
bne  conculcabunt  me:  * 
et  nox  illuminatio  mea  in 
delfciis  meis. 

Quia  tenebr?e  non  ob- 
scurabuntur  a  te,  et  nox 
sicut  dies  illuminabitui-:  * 


And  thou  hast  foreseen 
all  my  ways :  for  there  is 
no  speech  in  my  tongue. 

Behold,  O  Lord!  thou 
hast  known  all  things,  the 
last  and  those  of  old:  thou 
hast  formed  me,  and  hast 
laid  thy  hand  upon  me. 

Thy  knowledge  is  be- 
come wonderful  to  me :  it 
is  high,  and  I  cannot 
reach  to  it. 

Whither  shall  I  go  from 
thy  spirit?  or  whither 
shall  I  flee  from  thy  face? 

If  I  ascend  up  into  hea- 
ven, thou  art  there;  if  I 
descend  into  hell,  thou 
art  there. 

If  I  take  to  me  the  wings 
of  the  morning,  and  dwell 
in  the  uttermost  parts  of 
the  sea; 

Even  there  also  shall 
thy  hand  leadjne;  and  thy 
right  hand  shall  hold  me. 

And  I  said:  perhaps 
darkness  shall  cover  me: 
and  night  shall  be  my  light 
in  my  pleasures. 

But  darkness  shall  not 
be  dark  to  thee,  and  night 
shall  be  lig-ht  as  the  day: 


VESPERS. 


sicut  tenebrx  ejus,  ita  et 
lumen  ejus. 

Quia  tu  possedisti  renes 
meos:  *  suscepisti  me  de 
utero  matris  mex. 

Confitebor  tibi,  quia  ter- 
ribf  liter  magnificatus  es:  * 
mirabilia  6pera  tua  et  ani- 
ma  mea  cognoscit  nimis. 

Non  est  occultatum  os 
meum  a  te,  quod  fecisti 
in  occulto:  *  et  substantia 
mea  in  inferioribus  terrx. 

Imperfectum  meum  vi- 
deruntoculitui,  etinlibro 
tuo,  omnes  scribentur:  * 
dies  formabiintur,  et  nemo 
in  eis. 

Mini  autem  nimis  hono- 
rificati  sunt  amici  tui  De-? 
us:  *  nimis  genfortatus  est 
principatus  eorum. 

Dinumerdbo  eos,  et  su- 
perarenam  multiplicabun- 
tur:  #  exsurrexi  et  adhuc 
sum  tecum. 

Sioccfderis,  Deus!  pec- 
cat6res:  *  viri  sdnguinum 
declinate  a  me. 


the  darkness  thereof,  and 
the  light  thereof,  are 
alike  to  thee. 

For  thou  hast  possessed 
my  reins:  thou  hast  pro- 
tected me  from  my  mo- 
ther's womb. 

I  will  praise  thee,  for 
thou  art  fearfully  magni- 
fied; wonderful  are  thy 
works,  and  my  soul  know- 
eth  right  well. 

My  bone  is  not  hid  from 
thee,  which  thou  hast 
made  in  secret:  and  my 
substance  in  the  lower 
parts  of  the  earth. 

Thy  eyes  did  see  my  im- 
perfect being,  and  in  thy 
book  shall  all  be  written* 
days  shall  be  formed,  and 
no  one  in  them. 

But  to  me  thy  friends,  O 
God!  are  made  exceed- 
ingly honourable:  their 
principality  is  exceeding- 
ly strengthened. 

I  will  number  them,  and 
they  shall  be  multiplied 
above  the  sand:  I  rose  up 
and  am  still  with  thee. 

If  thou  wilt  kill  the 
wicked,  O  God!  ye  men 
of  blood  depart  from  me 


VESPERS. 


389 


Quia  dicitis  in  cog-ita- 
tione,  *  accipient  in  vani- 
tate  civitates  tuas. 

Nonne  qui  oderunt  te, 
Ddmine!  oderam;  *  et su- 
per inimfcos  tuos  tabes- 
cebam? 

Perfecto  odio  oderam 
illos:  *  et  inimici  facti 
sunt  mihi. 

Probame,  Deus!  etsci- 
to  cormeum:  *  interrog-a 
me,  et  cognosce  semitas 
meas. 

Et  vide  si  via  iniquitatis 
in  me  est:  *  deduc  me  in 
via  aeterna. 

Gldria  Patri,  &c. 


Because  you  say  in 
thought,  they  shall  re- 
ceive thy  cities  in  vain. 

Lord!  have  I  not  hated 
them  that  hate  thee,  and 
pined  away  because  of 
thy  enemies? 

I  have  hated  them  with 
a  perfect  hatred:  and  they 
are    become   enemies   to 


me. 

Prove  me,  O  God 
know  mv  heart 


and 
examine 
me  and  know  my  paths. 


And  see  if  there  be  in 
me  the  way  of  iniquity: 
and  lead  me  in  the  eternal 
way. 

Glory,  &c. 


The  Hymn. 

Exultet  orbis  gaudiis, 
Coelum  resultet  laudibus, 
Apostolorum  gloriam 
Tellus  et  astra  concinunt. 

Yos  sxculorum  jiidices, 
Et  vera  mundi  lumina, 
Votis  precamur  cordium, 
Audfte  voces  supplicum. 


.13' 


390  VESPERS. 

Qui  templa  cceli  clauditis, 
Serasque  verbo  solvitis, 
Nos  a  reatu  noxios 
Solvi  jubete,  qusesumus. 

Praecepta  quorum  protinus, 
Languor  saliisque  s^ntiunt; 
Sanate  mentes  languidas, 
Augete  nos  virtutibus: 

Ut,  cum  redibit  arbiter 
In  fine,  Christus,  saeculi, 
Nos  sempiterni  gaudii 
Concedat  esse  compotes. 

Patri,  simulque  Filio, 
Tibique,  sancte  Spiritus, 
Sicut  fuit,  sit  jugiter 
Saeclum  per  omne  gloria.     Amen. 

V.  Annunciavcrunt  opera  Dei: 
R.   Et  facta  ejus  intellexerunt. 

The  same  in  English. 
TimorGHorT  the  world  let  joys  arise, 
Let  praises  echo  through  the  skies! 
Let  heaven  and  earth,  with  joyful  choir, 
To  praise  the  Apostles  now  conspire. 
Earth's  shining  lights,  by  God  design'd, 
To  be  the  judges  of  mankind; 
Our  humble  prpy'rs  are  void  of  art; 
Accept  the  language  of  our  heart. 
The  gates  of  heav'n,  by  your  command, 
Are  fasten'd  close,  or  open  stand: 
Grant,  we  beseech  you  then,  that  we 
"From  sinful  slav'ry  may  be  free. 


VESPERS.  391 

Sickness  and  health  your  power  obey; 
This  comes,  and  that,  you  drive  away: 
Then  from  our  souls  all  sickness  chase. 
Let  healing"  virtues  take  its  place. 

That,  when  our  Judge  returns  to  weigh 
Our  actions,  at  the  dreadful  day, 
We  ma}',  with  him,  to  heav'n  ascend, 
To  live  in  joys,  that  never  end. 

To  God  the  Father,  and  the  Son, 

And  holy  Spirit,  three  in  one; 

Be  endless  glory,  as  before 

The  world  begun,  so  evermore.  Amen. 
V.  They  declared  the  works  of  God, 
R.  And  understood  his  doings. 

OX  FESTIVALS  OF  OXE  MA11TTH.* 

Hit  Hymn, 
Deus  tuorum  mflitum 
Sors,  et  corona,  pnemium, 
Laudes  canentes  Martyris 
Absolve  nexu  criminis. 

Hie  nempe  mundi  gaudia, 
Et  blanda  fraudum  pabula, 
Imbuta  felle  deputans, 
Pervenit  ad  caelestia. 

Poenas  cucurrit  fortiter, 
Et  sustulit  viriliter: 
Fundensque  pro  te  sdnguinem 
JEterna  dona  p6ssideL 
*  V-^hen  no  particular  Psalms  are  appointed,  tho  ic  are  said,  which 
»rr  placed  under  the  head  oi  Sunday. 


392  VESPERS. 

Ob  hoc  precatu  supplici 
Te  poscimus  piissime; 
In  hoc  triumpho  Martyns, 
Dimitte  noxam  servulis. 

Laus  et  perennis  gl6ria 
Patri  sit,  atque  Fflio, 
Sancto  simul  Paraclito, 
In  sempiterna  ssecula.   Amen. 

V.  Gloria  et  honore  coronasti  eum,  Ddmine! 

R.  Et  constituisti  eum  super  opera  manuum  tuarum. 

The  same  in  English. 

O  Gon!  the  lot,  the  crown,  the  gain, 
Of  soldiers  in  thy  sen-ice  slain; 
Make  us  forsake  our  sinful  ways, 
Who  meet  to  sing-  this  Martyr's  praise. 

This  Saint,  esteeming1  worldly  joys 
As  pleasing  cheats,  deceitful  toys; 
And  bitter  too,  with  secret  gull, 
For  heaven,  nobly  scorn'd  them  all. 

He  bravely  ran  his  painful  race, 
And  look'd  his  torments  in  the  face; 
For  thee,  he  fearless  sheds  his  blood, 
And  wades  to  heaven  through  the  flood. 

To  thee,  O  gracious  Lord!  we  fly, 
Beseeching  thee  with  humble  cry; 
That  on  this  Martyr's  triumph,  we 
From  sin  may  be  absolv'd  by  thee. 

To  God  the  Father,  and  the  Son, 
And  Holy  Spirit,  three  in  one; 
lie  equal  glory,  equal  praise, 
For  an  eternal  length  of  days.  Amen. 


VESPERS.  393 

V.  Thou  hast  crowned  him  with  glory  and  honour: 
U.  And  hast  set  him  over  the  works  of  thy  hands. 

OS    FESTIVALS    OF    SEVERAL    MARTYRS. 

The  Hymn. 

Sanctorum  meritis  inclyta  gaudia 
Pangamus,  s6cii,  gestaque  fortia: 
Gliscens  fert  animus  promere  cantibus 
Victorum  genus  optimum. 

Hi  sunt  quos  fatue  mundus  inhorruit, 
Hunc  fructu  vacuum,  floribus  aridum, 
Contempsere  tui  nominis  asseclae, 
Jesu,  Rex  bone  coclitum! 

Hi  pro  te  furias  atque  minas  truces 
Calcarunt  h6minum,  saevaque  verbera, 
His  cessit  lacerans  fortiter  ungula, 
Nee  carpsit  penetralia. 

Czediintur  gladiis  more  bidentium: 
Non  murmur  resonat,  non  querimonia: 
Sed  corde  impavido  mens  bene  conscia 
Conservat  patientiam. 

Quae  vox,  quae  p6terit  lingua  retexere. 
Quae  tu  Martyribus  munera  praeparas? 
Rubri  nam  fluido  sanguine  fulgidis 
Cingunt  tempora  laureis. 

Te,  summa  O  Deitas!  unaque,  pdscimua. 
Ut  culpas  abluas,  n6xia  siibtrahas; 
Des  pacem  famulis,  ut  tibi  gldriam 
Ann  Jrum  in  seriem  canant.     Amen. 

F.  Laetamini  in  D6mino,  et  exultate  justi! 
R.  £t  gloriammi,  omnes  recti  corde! 


394  VESPERS 


Hie  same  in  English. 

Let  us  fam'd  acts,  and  triumphs  sing-, 
Which  from  the  Saints'  high  merits  spring* 
For  now  to  celebrate  we  mind, 
Brave  heroes  of  the  noblest  kind. 

These  champions  of  thy  name,  sweet  Lord' 
Were,  by  the  silly  world,  abhorr'd; 
Which  world  they  held  a  barren  thing-, 
Where  neither  fruit,  nor  flowers  spring1. 

For  thee  they  slight  the  threats  of  foes, 
Their  furious  rage,  and  deadly  blows; 
The  tearing-  hook  they  scorn  no  less, 
Which  cannot  reach  the  soul's  recess. 

While  barb'rous  swords  their  bodies  wound, 
No  murmurs,  no  complaints  resound; 
For  they  to  patience  are  resign'd, 
With  dauntless  heart,  and  spotless  mind. 

What  tongue  can  those  rich  gifts  declare, 
Which  Christ  for  Martyrs  does  prepare? 
Brows  that  in  streams  of  blood  were  drown'd, 
Are  with  refulg-ent  laurels  crown'd. 

Great  God!  we  beg-  of  thee  to  chase 
All  harms  away;  our  sins  efface; 
Afford  thy  servants  peaceful  days, 
That  they  may,  ever,  sing-  thy  praise.     Amen 

V.  Be  g-lad  in  the  Lord,  and  rejoice,  ye  just'. 
R.  And  glory  all  ye  right  of  heart! 


VESPERS. 


335 


OX    FESTIVALS    OF    CONFESSORS. 

[Tic  -"(fth  Psalm  is  sometimes  the  following'.] 
Psalm  cxxxi. 


Memetto  D6mine,  Da- 
vid, *  et  omnis  mansuetii- 
dinis  ejus. 

Sicut  jaravit  Domino,  * 
votum  vovit  Deo  Jacob: 

Si  introj'ero  in  taberna- 
culum  domus  meee,  *  si 
ascendero  in  lectum  strati 
mei: 

Si  dedero  somnum  ocu- 
lis  meis,  *  et  palpebris 
meis  dormitationem. 

Et  requiem  temporibus 
meis,  donee  inveniam  lo- 
cum Domino,  *  taberna- 
culum  Deo  Jacob. 

Ecce  audfvimus  earn  in 
Ephrata:  *  invenimus  earn 
in  campis  sylvae. 

Introibimus  in  taberna- 
culum  ejus:*  adorabimus 
in  loco,  ubi  steterunt  pe- 
des ejus. 

Surge,  Domine,  in  re- 
quiem tuam,  *  tu  et  area 
sanctificationis  tuse. 


OLonn!  remember  Da- 
vid, and  all  his  meekness. 

How  he  swore  to  the 
Lord;  he  vowed  a  vow  to 
the  God  of  Jacob. 

If  I  shall  enter  into  the 
tabernacle  of  my  house:  if 
I  shall  g-o  up  into  the  bed 
wherein  I  lie. 

If  I  shall  give  sleep  to 
my  eyes,  or  slumber  to  my 
eye-lids: 

Or  rest  to  my  temples, 
until  I  find  out  a  place  for 
the  Lord,  a  tabernacle  tor 
the  God  of  Jacob. 

Behold  we  have  heard 
of  it  in  Ephrata:  we  nave 
found  it  in  the  fields  of 
the  wood. 

We  will  go  into  his  ta- 
bernacle: we  will  adore  in 
the  place  where  Ills  feet 
stood. 

Arise,  O  Lord!  into  thy 
resting-  place:  thou  and 
the  ark  which  thou  liast 
sanctified. 


396 


VESPERS. 


Sacerdotes  tui  induan- 
tur  justitiam:  *  et  sancti 
tui  exultent. 

Propter  David  servum 
tjum,  *  non  avertas  faci- 
em  Christi  tui. 

Juravit  Dominus  David 
veritatem,  et  non  frustra- 
bitur  earn:  *  de  fructu 
renins  tui  ponani  super 
sedem  tuam. 

Si  custodierint  filii  tui 
testamentum  meum,  *  et 
testimonia  mea  hsec,  <yix 
docebo  eos: 

Et  filii  eorum  usque  in 
sxculum,  *  sedebant  su- 
per sedem  tuam. 

Quoniam  eleg-it  Domi- 
nus Sion:  *  eleg-it  earn  in 
habitationem  sibi. 

Haec  requies  mea  in  sx- 
culum  saeculi:  *  hie  habi- 
tabo,  quoniam  eleg-i  earn. 

Viduam    ejus    benedi- 


cens  benedicam: 


pau- 


peres  ejus  saturabo  pani- 
bus. 

Sacerdotes  ejus  indu- 
am  salutari:  *  et  sancti 
ejus  exultatidne  exulta- 
bunt. 

Illuc  producam  comu 


Let  thy  priests  be  cloth* 
ed  with  justice;  and  let 
thy  saints  rejoice. 

For  thy  servant  David's 
sake,  turn  not  away  the 
face  of  thy  anointed. 

The  Lord  hath  sworn 
truth  to  David,  and  he 
will  not  make  it  void:  of 
the  fruit  of  thy  womb  I 
will  set  upon  thy  throne. 

If  thy  children  will  keep 
my  covenant,  and  these 
my  testimonies  which  I 
shall  teach  them; 

Their  children  also,  for 
evermore,  shall  sit  upon 
thy  throne. 

For  the  Lord  hath  cho- 
sen Sion:  he  hath  chosen 
it  for  his  dwelling'. 

This  is  my  rest  for  ever 
and  ever:  here  will  I 
dwell,  fori  have  chosen  it. 

Blessing-,  I  will  bless 
her  widow:  I  will  satisfy 
her  poor  with  bread. 

T  will  clothe  her  priests 
with  salvation:  and  her 
saints  shall  rejoice  with 
exceeding"  great  joy. 

There  will  I  bring-  forth 


VESPEHS.  397. 

David:  *  paravi  licernam  a  horn  to  David:  I  have 

Christo  meo.  prepared  a  lamp  for  my 
anointed. 

Jnimicos   ejus    induam  His  enemies  I  will  clothe 

confusione:  *  super  ipsum  with  confusion:  but  upon 

autem  efflorebit  sanctifi-  him   shall   my  sanctifica. 

c&tio  mea.  tion  flourish. 

Gloria,  &c.  Glorv,  &c. 


The  Hymn. 

Iste  Confessor  Domini,  colentes 
Quern  pie  laudant  populi  per  orbem; 
Hac  die  lxtus  meruit  beatas 
Scandere  sedes. 

Or,  instead  of  the  two  lcv>t  lines. 

ITac  die  lxtus  meruit  supremos 
Laudis  honores. 

Qui  pius,  prudens,  humilis,  pudicus, 
Sobriam  duxit  sine  labe  vitam, 
Donee  humanos  animavit  aura: 
Spiritus  artus. 

Cujus  ob  prxstans  meritum,  frequenter 
JEgra  qua:  passim  jacuere  membra, 
Viribus  morbi  domitis,  saluti 
Kestituiintur. 

Nosterhinc  illi  chorus  obscqudntem 
Concinit  laudem  celebresque  palmas; 
Ut  piis  ejus  precibus  juvemur, 
Omne  per  ufvum. 
34 


398  VESPERS?. 

Sit  salus  1111,  decus  atque  virtus, 

Qui  super  coeli  solio  coruscans, 

To  this  mundi  seriem  gubernat, 

Trinus  et  anus.  Amen. 

V.  Amdvit  eum  Dominus,  et  omdvit  eum. 
R.  Stolam  g-lorise  induit  eum. 

The  same  in  English. 
This  day,  with  gladness,  Christian  choirs  proclaim, 
His  combats,  triumphs,  faith,  and  glorious  name, 

Who  boldly  Christ  on  earth  confess'd, 

And  now  exults  among-  the  bless'd. 

Prudence  and  piety  adorn'd  his  life, 
Unstain'd  with  ill,  and  undisturb'd  by  strife. 

Chaste,  humble,  meek  he  kept  his  heart, 

Till  bid  by  Heav'n  from  life  depart 

Th'  Almighty  now  his  servant's  glory  shows, 
&nd  signal  favours  through  his  pray'rs  bestows; 

Diseases  fly  before  his  shrine, 

And  health  returns  by  pow'r  divine. 

Let's  then  in  thankful  songs  our  voices  raise, 
And  sing  to  him  this  solemn  hymn  of  praise; 

That  by  his  pray'rs  th'  Almighty  may 

His  favours  to  our  souls  convey. 

To  him  be  glory,  pow'r,  and  endless  fame, 
Whose  wisdom  rules  the  whole  creation's  frame; 
And  fills  the  bright  celestial  throne, 
The  gTeat,  mysterious  Three  in  One.  Amen. 

V.  The  Lord  loved  him,  and  adorned  him; 
R.  He  clothed  him  with  a  robe  of  g-lory. 


VESPEUS.  393 

ON    FESTIVALS  OF  VIUG1NS. 

[The  Psalms,  as  on  Festivals  of  the  blessed  Virgin.] 

The  Hymn. 
Jr.su!  cordna  Virginum, 
Quern  mater  ilia  concipit, 
Quae  sola  Virgo  parturit; 
IIxc  vota  clemens  accipe. 

Qui  pergis  inter  h'lia, 
Septus  choreis  virginum, 
Sponsus  decorus  gloria, 
Sponsisque  reddens  prxmia. 

Quociinque  tenths,  Virgines 
Sequuntur,  atque  laudibus 
Post  te  canentes  ciirsitant, 
Ilymnosque  dulces  personant, 

Te  deprecamur  supplices, 
Nostris  ut  addas  sensibus, 
Nescire  promts  omnia 
Corruptionis  vulnera. 

Virtus,  honor,  laus,  gloria, 
Deo  Patri,  cum  Filio, 
Sancto  simul  Pardclito, 
In  srcculorum  sxcula.     Amen. 

V.  Specie  tuaet  pulchritudine  tua. 

li.  intcnde,  prospere  procede,  et  regrna. 


400  VESPERS. 

The  same  in  English. 

liEGAitn  our  vows  with  gTacious  eye, 
O  Jesus!  crown  of  purity; 
Son  of  that  chosen  woman,  who 
Was  Virgin  chaste,  and  Mother  too. 

Midst  lilies  thou  dost  love  to  be; 
Pure  Virgins  round  thy  throne  we  see, 
O  glorious  Bridegroom!  who  dost  bless 
Thy  brides  with  endless  happiness. 

Which  way  soe'er  thy  course  doth  bend, 
Chaste  Virgins  on  thy  steps  attend; 
Who,  running  after  thee,  do  raise 
Their  notes,  and  sing  sweet  hymns  of  praise 

Hear  us,  O  God  of  chastity ! 

From  impure  passions  set  us  free; 

Our  frailties  help,  our  vice  control; 

Submit  the  senses  to  the  soul. 
To  Jesus,  from  a  Virgin  sprung, 

Be  glory  giv'n,  and  praises  sung, 

The  same  to  God  the  Father  be, 

And  Holy  Ghost,  eternally.      Amen. 
V.  With  thy  comeliness  and  thy  beauty. 
ft.  Set  out,  proceed  prosperously,  and  reign. 

OX    FESTIVALS  OF  HOLY  WOMEN. 

[Psalms,  as  the  preceding.] 

The  Hymn, 
Fortem  virili  pectore 
Laudemus  omnes  fxminam, 
Quae  sanctitatis  gloria  , 

Ubique  fulget  inclyta. 


VESPEKS  401 

Usee  sancto  amore  suucia, 
Dum  muncli  amorem  noxnnn 
Horrescit,  ad  coclcstia 
Iter  peregit  arduum. 

Carnem  domans  leuintis 
Dulcique  mentem  pabulu 
Orationis  nutriens, 
Coeli  potitur  gdudiis. 

Rex  Christe!  virtus  fortium, 
Qui  magna  solus  efficis, 
Hujus  precatu  quxsumus, 
Audi  benignus  supplices. 

Deo  Patri  sit  gloria, 
Ejusque  soli  Filio, 
Cum  Spiritu  Paraclito, 
Nunc,  et  per  omne  sseculum.     Amen. 

V.  Diffusa  est  gratia  in  labiis  tuis. 

R.   Propterea  benedfxit  te  Deus  in  xternmn. 

The  same  in  English. 

Rise,  tuneful  numbers,  justly  praise 
A  holy  woman's  g-en'rous  ways, 
Whose  fortitude  exalts  her  name 
In  ev'ry  place,  with  glorious  fame. 

Such  holy  love  inflam'd  her  heart, 
That  she  abhorr'd  the  pois'ning  dart 
Of  worldly  love,  and  bravely  trod 
The  narrow  way  that  leads  to  God. 

A  body,  grown  witli  fasting"  dead, 
And  mind  with  pray'r  most  sweetly  fed, 
Convey  her  soul  above  the  sky, 
To  joys,  that  last  eternally. 
34* 


402  VESPERS. 

O  source  of  grace!  O  Christ  our  King"! 
From  whom  alone  all  good  thing's  spring-, 
To  thee,  for  help,  we  sinners  fly; 
Hear,  through  her  prayers,  our  humble  cry. 

May  each  succeeding-  ag-e  proclaim 
The  glory,  and  eternal  fame 
Of  God  the  Father,  and  the  Son, 
And  Holy  Spirit,  Three  in  One.     Amen. 

V.   Grace  is  poured  abroad  in  thy  lips. 

JR.  Therefore  hath  God  blessed  thee  for  ever. 

OX    THE    FESTIVAL    OF    ALL    SAINTS. 

The  Hymn. 
Placahe,  Christe!  servulis, 
Qui  bus  Patris  clementiam 
Tujc  ad  tribunal  gratiae 
Patrona  virgo  postulat. 

Et  vos  beata,  per  novem 
Distincta  gyros  agrnina, 
Antiqua  cum  prxsentibus, 
Futura  damna  pellite. 

Apostoli  cum  vatibus, 
Apud  scverum  Jiidicem, 
Yeris  reorum  fletibus 
Exposcite  indulgentiam. 

Vos,  purpurati  Marty  res! 
Vos,  candidati  prxmio 
Confessionis!  exules 
Vocate  nos  in  patriam. 


\ 
VESPERS.  403 

Chorea  casta  vfrginum! 
Et  quos  eremus  incolas 
Transmisit  astris!  coelitum 
Locate  nos  in  sedibus. 

Auferte  gentem  perfidam 
Credentium  de  finibus, 
Ut  unus  omnes  unicum 
Ovile  nos  Pastor  regat. 

Deo  Patri  sit  gloria, 
Natoque  Patris  unico, 
Sancto  simul  Paraclito, 
In  sempiterna  sjecnla.     Amen. 
V.   Exultabunt  sancti  in  g-loiia. 
R.  Lxtabiintur  in  cubilibus  suis. 

The  same  in  English. 
O  Jesus!  let  thy  anger  cease, 
Thy  Virgin  Mother,  for  our  peace, 
At  thy  tribunal  pleading  stands, 
And  mercy  earnestly  demands. 

And  you,  O  Angels!  who  in  nine 
Distinguish^  orders  glorious,  shine, 
Preserve  our  minds,  our  hearts  and  wills 
From  present,  past,  and  future  ills. 
Ye  Prophets  and  Apostles!  plead 
Before  our  Judge,  and  intercede 
Foe  sinners,  that  by  tears  unfeign'd 
His  pard'ning  grace  may  be  obtain'd. 
Ye  crimson  troops  of  Martyrs  bright! 
And  Confessors  array 'd  in  white! 
Let  us  no  longer  exil'd  roam, 
Uut  call  us  to  our  heavenly  home. 


404  VESPERS. 

Chaste  Virgins !  and  ye,  truly  wise ! 
Who  from  the  deserts  fill'd  the  skies, 
For  us,  an  everlasting-  reign, 
Amongst  the  Saints  of  Christ,  obtain. 

From  Christian  lands  those  faithless  chase, 
Who  Christian  truths  and  faith  deface: 
That  all  mankind  united  may 
One  Pastor  of  our  souls  obey. 

To  God  the  Father,  and  the  Son, 
And  Holy  Spirit,  Three  in  One, 
Be  equal  glory,  equal  praise, 
For  an  eternal  age  of  days.     Amen. 

V     The  Saints  shall  rejoice  in  glory. 
R.    They  shall  be  joyful  in  their  beds. 

ix    ADVEXT. 

The  Hymn. 

Creator  alme  sfderum, 
JFterna  lux  credentium, 
Jesu,  Redemptor  omnium! 
Intende  votis  supplicum. 

Qui  daemonis  ne  fraudibus 
Periret  orbis,  impetu 
Amoris  actus,  lang-uidi 
Mundi  medela  factus  es: 

Commune  qui  mundi  nefas 
Ut  expiares,  ad  crucem 
E  Vfrginis  saciiirio 
Intacta  prodis  victima. 


VESPERS.  405 

Cujus  potestas  glories, 
Nomenque  cum  primum  sonat; 
Et  ccrlites,  et  fnferi 
Tremente  curvantur  genu. 

Te  deprecamur  ultimae 

Magnum  diei  Judicem; 

Armis  supcrnae  gratiae, 

Defende  nos  ab  hostibus. 
Virtus,  honor,  laus,  gloria, 

Deo  Patri  cum  Fifio, 

Sancto  simul  Pardclito, 

In  sxculorum  saecula.  Amen. 
V,  Rorate,  cadi!  desuper,  et  nubes  pluant  Jiistiim. 
R.   Aperiatur  terra,  et  germinet  Salvatorem. 

The  same  in  English. 

Bright  Maker  of  the  starry  poles, 
Eternal  light  of  faithful  souls, 
Christ,  Saviour  of  mankind!  espouse 
Our  cause,  and  hear  our  humble  vows; 

Who,  lest  the  fraud  of  hell's  dire  king 
Should  all  men  to  destruction  bring, 
Uid'st,  by  an  act  of  gen'rous  love, 
The  fainting  world's  Physician  prove; 

Who,  that  thou  might'st  our  ransom  pay, 
And  wash  the  stains  of  sin  away, 
Would' st  from  a  Virgin's  womb  proceed, 
And  on  the  Cross  a  victim  bleed; 

Whose  glorious  pow'r,  whose  saving  name, 
No  sooner  any  voice  can  frame, 
Hut  heav'n,  and  earth,  and  hell  agree 
To  honour  them  with  bended  knee. 


406  VESPERS. 

Thee,  of  the  last  accounting1  day 
The  sov'reign  Judge,  we  humbly  pray, 
Of  heav'nly  grace  such  plenty  send. 
As  may  our  souls  from  sin  defend. 

Let  endless  times  aloud  proclaim 
The  glory,  power,  praise,  and  name 
Of  God  the  Father,  and  the  Son, 
And  holy  Spirit,  Three  in  One.     Amen 

V.  Drop  down  dew,  ye  heavens!  from  above,  and 
let  the  clouds  rain  the  Just. 

R.  Let  the  earth  be  opened,  and  bud  forth  a  Saviour. 

ON  THE  FESTIVAL  OF  CHRISTMAS. 

Psalms,  Dixit  Dominus,  page  361,  Confitebor,  page 
363,  Beatus  vir,  page  364. 

Psalm  cxxix. 

De   profiindis   clamavi  Oct  of  the  depths  I  have 

ad  te,  Domine!  *  Domine!  cried   to  thee,    O   Lord! 

exaudi  vocem  meam.  Lord!  hear  my  voice. 

Fiant  aures  tuae  inten-  Let  thy  cars  be  atten 

dentes,  *  in  vocem  d^pre-  tive  to  the  voice  of  my 

cationis  mex.  supplication. 

Si  iniquitates  observa-  If  thou,   O  Lord!  wilt 

veris  Domine!  *  Domine!  mark     iniquities:     Lord! 

quis  sustinebit?  who  shall  stand  it? 

Quia    apud    te    propi-  For  with  thee  there  is 

tuitio  est:  *  et  propter  le-  merciful  forgiveness:  and 

gem  tuam  sustfnui  te,  Do-  by  reason  of  thy  law,  1 

mine!  have  waited  for  thee,  0 

Lord! 


VESPERS.  407 

Sustinuit  anima  mea  in  My  soul  hath  relied  on 

rerbo    ejus:    *    speravit  his  word,   my  soul   hath 

anima  mea  in  Domino.  hoped  in  the  Lord. 

A  custodia  matutina  us-  From     the     morning 

que  ad  noctem,  speret  [s-  watch,  even  until  night, 

rael  in  Domino.  let  Israel  hope  in  theLord. 

Quia    apud    Dominum  Because,  with  the  Lord, 

misericordia,    et   copiosa  there  is  mercy,  and  with 

-ipud  eum  redemptio.  him  plentiful  redemption. 

Et  ipse  redimet  Israel,  And  he    shall  redeem 

*  ex   omnibus  iniquitati-  Israel  from  all  his  iniqui- 

bus  ejus.  ties. 

Gloria  Patri,  &c.  Glory,  &c. 

Fifth  Psulm,  Memento  Domine,  page  395. 
mmmmm 

The  Hymn. 

Jest:,  Redemptor  6mnium! 
Quern  lucis  ante  originem 
I'arem  paternae  gloriae 
Pater  supremus  edidit. 

Tu,  lumen  et  splendor  Patris! 
Tu,  spes  perennis  omnium! 
Intende  quas  fundunt  preces 
Tui  per  orbem  sen'uli. 

Memento,  rerum  Conditor! 
Nostri  quod  olim  corporis 
Sacrato  ab  alvo  Virginis, 
Nascendo  formam  sumpseris. 

Testatur  hoc  pnescns  dies, 
Currens  per  anni  circulum, 
Quod  solus,  e  sinu  Patris 
Mundi  salus  adveneris 


403  VESPERS. 

Hunc  astra,  tellus,  aequora; 
Hunc  omne  quod  coelo  subest, 
Salutis  auctorem  novae 
Novo  saliitat  cantico. 

Et  nos,  beata  quos  sacri 
Rigavit  unda  sanguinis, 
Natalis  ob  diem  tui 
Hymni  tributum  solvimus. 

Jesu!  tibi  sit  gloria, 
Qui  natus  es  de  Virgin e, 
Cum  Patre  et  almo  Spiritu) 
In  sempiterna  saecula.     Amen. 
V.   Notum  fecit  Dominus,  Alleluia. 
R.    Salutare  suum.     Alleluia. 

The  same  in  English. 
Jesus!  the  Ransomer  of  man, 
Who,  e'er  created  light  begun, 
Didst  from  the  sovereign  Father  spring, 
His  pow'r  and  glory  equalling; 
Thou  brightness  of  thy  Father's  rays! 
The  hope  and  end  of  all  our  ways! 
With  gracious  ears  the  pray'rs  attend, 
Which,  round  the  world,  to  thee  ascend. 
Remember,  Lord!  that  heretofore, 
When  thee  thy  virgin  Mother  bore, 
Thou,  from  her  womb,  didst  breathe  our  air 
And  human  nature  for  us  wear. 
To  thee  this  present  solemn  day, 
We  yearly  adorations  pay; 
The  world's  Redeemer,  thee  we  own, 
Descending  from  thy  Father's  throne. 


VESPERS.  409 

The  joyful  heavens,  earth,  and  main, 
With  whatsoever  they  contain, 
In  new  harmonious  accents  sing", 
New  life  restor'd  by  th'  new-born  King. 

And  we  presume  too,  who  have  been 
Cleans'd  by  thy  sacred  blood  from  sin, 
The  tribute  of  a  hymn  to  pay, 
In  honour  of  this  joyful  day. 

Jesus!  to  thee,  the  Virgin's  Son, 

13e  everlasting-  homage  done: 

To  God  the  Father,  we  repeat 

The  same,  and  to  the  Paraclete.     Amen. 

r.  The  Lord  hath  made  known,  Alleluia. 
R.  His  salvation.     Alleluia. 

OX  THE  FESTIVAL  OF  EPIPHAXT. 

The  Hymn. 
Crudelis  Herodes  Deum 
Regem  venire  quid  times? 
Non  eripit  mortalia, 
Qui  regna  dat  coelestia. 

Ibant  magi,  quam  viderant 
Stellam  sequentes  praeviam: 
Lumen  requirunt  liimine: 
Deum  fatentur  munere. 

Lavacra  puri  gurgitis 
Coclestis  Agnus  attigit: 
Peccata,  qux  non  detulit, 
Nos  abluendo  siistulit. 
35 


410  VESPERS. 

Novum  genus  potential: 
Aquse  rubescunt  hydrize, 
Vinumque  jussa  fundere, 
Mutavit  unda  originem. 

Jesu!  tibi  sit  gloria, 
Qui  apparuisti  gentibus, 
Cum  Patre,  et  almo  Spiritu, 
In  sempiterna  sxcula.     Amen. 

V.  Reges  Tharsis,  et  insula:  munera  offerent. 

R.  Reges  Arabum  et  Saba  dona  adducent. 

The  same  in  English. 
What  makes  thee,  cruel  Herod!  shake 
For  fear  that  Christ  thy  crown  should  take  ? 
He  will  not  seize  an  earthly  throne, 
Who  heav'nly  kingdoms  makes  our  own. 
The  sages  coming  from  afar, 
Follow  the  new  appearing  star: 
With  light  they  seek  a  better  light: 
Their  gifts  confess  the  God  of  might. 
The  heav'nly  Lamb  in  Jordan  stood 
To  sanctify  the  crystal  flood: 
Our  sins,  with  that  baptismal  dew, 
Were  wash'd  in  Him,  who  sin  ne'er  kneu 
A  strange  unusual  power  is  shown: 
The  water-pots  are  ruddy  grown, 
Whose  waters,  by  command  divine, 
Their  nature  change,  and  run  pure  wine. 
To  Christ,  who  did  the  gentiles  call, 
Be  endless  glory  given  by  all; 
To  God  the  Father,  we  repeat 
The  same,  and  to  the  Paraclete.      Amen. 


VESPERS  411 

V.  The  king's  of  Thai-sis,  and  the  islands  shall  offer 
presents. 

7?.  The  kings  of  the  Arabians  and  Saba  shall  bring 
gifts. 

ON  THE  FESTIVAL  OF  THE  HOLY  VAM1  OF  JESUS. 

Fifth  Psalm,  Credidi,  page  272 

The  Hymn. 

Jesu!  dulcis  memoria, 
Dans  vera  cordis  gaudia* 
Sed  super  mel  et  omnia, 
Ejus  dulcis  prxsentia. 

Nil  canitur  suavius, 
Nil  auditur  juciindius, 
Nil  cog-itatur  diilcius, 
Quam  Jesus,  Dei  filius. 

Jesu!  spes  pocnitentibus, 
Quam  pius  es  petentibus! 
Quam  bonus  te  quxrentibus  ! 
Sed  quid  invenientibus? 

Nee  lingua  valet  dicere, 
Nee  littera  exprimere, 
Expertus  potest  credere, 
Quid  sit  Jesum  dillgere. 

Sis,  Jesu!  nostrum  g-dudium, 
Qui  es  futilrus  premium, 
Sit  nostra  in  te  gloria, 
Per  cuncta  semper  sxcula.  Amen. 

F.   Sit  nomen  Domini  benedictum.  Alleluia. 

R.  Ex  hoc,  nunc,  et  usque  in  sxculum.  Alleluia. 


412  VESPERS. 


The  same  in  English. 


Jesus!  the  only  thought  of  thee, 

With  sweetness  fills  my  breast; 
But  sweeter  far,  it  is  to  see, 

And  on  thy  beauty  feast 
No  sound,  no  harmony  so  gay, 

Can  art  of  music  frame; 
No  thoughts  can  reach,  no  words  can  say 

The  sweets  of  thy  bless'd  name. 
Jesus!  our  hope  when  we  repent; 

Sweet  source  of  all  our  grace; 
Sole  comfort  in  our  banishment: 

O  what,  when  face  to  face! 
Jesus!  that  name  inspires  my  mind 

With  springs  of  life  and  light; 
More  than  T  ask,  in  thee  I  find, — 

My  joy,  my  sweet  delight 
No  art  or  eloquence  of  man 

Can  tell  the  joys  of  love; 
Only  the  Saints  can  understand, 

What  they  in  Jesus  prove. 
Thee,  then,  I'll  seek,  retir'd  apart, 

From  world  and  bus'ness  free: 
When  these  shall  knock,  I'll  shut  my  heart, 

And  keep  it  all  for  thee. 
Before  the  morning  light  I'll  come 

With  Magdalene  to  find, 
In  sighs  and  tears,  my  Jesus'  tomb, 

And,  there,  refresh  my  mind. 
My  tears  upon  his  grave  shall  flow, 

My  sighs  the  garden  fill; 
Then,  at  his  feet  myself  I'll  throw. 

And,  there,  I'll  seek  his  will. 


VESPERS.  413 

Jesus!  in  thy  bless'd  steps  I'll  tread, 

And  walk  in  all  thy  ways; 
I'll  never  cease  to  weep  and  plead, 

Till  I'm  restor'd  to  grace. 
0  King-  of  love!  thy  blessed  fire 

Does  such  sweet  flames  excite, 
That  first,  it  raises  the  desire, 

Then,  fills  with  pure  delight. 

Come  then,  dear  Lord!  possess  my  heart: 
Chase  thence  the  shades  of  night; 

Come,  pierce  it  with  thy  flaming;  dart, 
And  ever-shining1  light.  Amen. 

V.  Blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord,  Alleluia. 
R.  From  eternity,  and  for  ever  more.  Alleluia 


The  Hymn. 

Audi,  benigne  Conditor! 
Nostras  preces  cum  fletibus, 
In  hoc  sacro  jejunio, 
Fusas  quadragendrio. 

Scrutator  alme  cordium! 
Infirma  tu  scis  virium; 
Ad  te  reversis  exhibe 
llemissionis  gratiam. 

Multum  quidem  peccavimiis. 
Sed  parce  confitentibus: 
Ad  n6minis  laudem  tui, 
Confer  medelam  langaiidis. 
35* 


414  VESPERS. 

Concede  nostrum  conteri 
Corpus  per  abstinentiam; 
Culpac  ut  relfnquant  pabulum, 
Jejuna  corda  crfminum. 

Prxsta  beata  Trinitas, 
Concede  simplex  unitas; 
Ut  fructuosa  sint  tuis 
Jejuniorum  munera.  Amen. 
V.  Angelis  suis  Deus  mandavit  de  te: 
R.  Ut  custodiant  te  in  6mnibus  viis  tuis. 

The  same  in  English. 
O  eouxtiful  Creator!  hear 
The  prayers,  which  with  an  humble  fear, 
Before  thy  throne,  this  sacred  Lent, 
We  pour  from  hearts  with  sorrow  rent. 

Almighty  searcher  of  our  hearts! 

Thou  know'st  our  weakness — know'st  our  partsi 

We  to  thy  tender  mercies  fly; 

Ah!  do  thy  healing-  grace  apply. 

Alas!  our  sins  are  numberless: 

But  we  our  guilt  with  grief  confess; 

Lord!  for  the  glory  of  thy  name, 

From  death,  our  sinful  souls  reclaim. 

Whilst  we,  by  fast,  our  flesh  restrain, 

Permit  us  not  to  sin  again: 

O !  may  our  hearts,  from  vices  free, 

For  ever  live,  and  burn  for  thee! 

Grant,  O  most  holy  Trinity! 

O  undivided  unity ! 

The  labour  of  this  solemn  fast, 

May  lead  us  to  eternal  rest.  Amen. 


VESPERS.  4J5 

R.  God  hath  given  his  angels  charge  over  thee. 
R.  To  keep  thee  in  all  thy  ways. 

IX    PASSIOX    TIME. 

The  Hymn. 
Vexilla  regis  prodeunt, 
Fulget  crucis  mysterium, 
Quo  vita  mortem  pertulit, 
Et  morte  vitam  protulit. 

Quae  vulnerata  lancex 
Mucrone  diro,  criminum 
Ut  nos  lavaret  sordibus, 
Manavit  unda  et  sanguine. 

Impleta  sunt  quae  concinit 
David  fideli  carmine, 
Dicendo  nationibus: 
Regnavit  a  ligno  Deus. 

Arbor  decora  et  fulglda 
Ornata  regis  purpura, 
Electa  digno  stipite, 
Tarn  sancta  membra  tangere. 

Beata,  cujus  brachiis 
Pretium  pependit  sxculi, 
State ra  facta  corporis, 
Tuh'tque  prxdam  tartari. 

O  Crux,  ave,  spes  linica 
Hoc  passionis  tempore, 
Instead  of  this  last  line,  on  the  Feast  of  the  Finding  of 
the  Cross,  is  saidy 
Paschale  quae  fers  gaudium. 


41G  VESPERS. 

On  that  of  the  Exaltation  of  the  Cross, 

In  hac  triiimphi  gloria. 

Piis  adauge  gratiam, 

Refsque  dele  crimina. 
Te,  fons  salutis,  Trinitas! 

Collaudet  omnis  Spiritus; 

Quibus  crucis  victoriam 

Largiris,  adde  premium.  Amen. 
V.  Eripe  me,  Domine!  ab  homine  maio; 
R.  A  vii'O  iniquo  eripe  me. 

The  same  in  English. 
Behold  the  royal  ensigns  fly, 
Bearing  the  Cross's  mystery; 
Where  life  itself  did  death  endure, 
And  by  that  death  did  life  procure. 
A  cruel  spear  let  out  a  flood 
Of  water  mix'd  with  saving  blood, 
Which,  gushing  from  the  Saviour's  side, 
Drown'd  our  offences  in  the  tide. 
The  mystery  we  now  unfold, 
Which  David's  faithful  verse  foretold, 
Of  our  Lord's  kingdom,  whilst  we  see 
God  ruling  nations  from  a  tree. 
O  lovely  tree,  whose  branches  wore 
The  royal  purple  of  his  gore! 
How  glorious  does  thy  body  shine, 
Supporting  members  so  divine! 
The  world's  blest  balance  thou  art  made: 
On  thee,  our  ransom,  Christ  is  weigh'd; 
Our  sins,  though  great,  his  pains  outweigh. 
And  rescue  hell's  expected  prey. 


VESPERS.  417 

Hail,  holy  Cross!  Hail,  mournful  tree! 
Our  hope,  with  Christ,  is  nail'd  on  thee; 
Grant  to  the  just  increase  of  gTace, 
And  ev'ry  sinner's  crimes  efface. 

Bless'd  Trinity!  we  praises  sing" 

To  thee,  from  whom  all  graces  spring*; 

Celestial  crowns  on  those  bestow, 

"Who  conquer  by  the  cross  below.  Amen. 

V.  Deliver  me,  O  Lord!  from  the  evil  man; 

R.  Rescue  me  from  the  unjust  man. 

An  Easter  Hymn. 

O  Filii  etffliae! 
Rex  ccclestis,  Rex  gloriae 
Morte  sun-exit  hodie.   Alleluia. 
Alleluia,  alleluia,  alleluia. 

Et  Maria  Magdalene, 
Et  Jacobi,  et  Salome, 
Venerunt  corpus  ungere.  Alleluia. 

A  Magdalena  moniti, 
Ad  ostium  monumenti, 
Duo  currunt  discipuli.  Alleluia. 

Sed  Joannes  Apostolus 
Cucurrit  Petro  citius, 
Ad  sepulchrum  venit  prius.   Alleluia 

In  albis  sedens  Angelas, 
Respondit  mulieribus, 
Quia  surrexit  Dominus.   Alleluia. 

Discipulis  astantibus, 
In  medio  stetit  Christus 
Diccns:  pax  vobis  omnibus.   Alleluia. 


418  VESPERS. 

Postquam  audfvit  Didymus, 
Quia  surrexerat  Jesus, 
Remansit  fide  dubius.  Alleluia. 

Vide,  Thoma!  vide  latus, 
Vide  pedes,  vide  manus; 
Noli  esse  incredulus.  Alleluia. 

Quando  Thomas  Christi  latus. 
Pedes  vidit  atque  manus, 
Dixit:  tu  es  Deus  meus.  Alleluia. 

Bedti  qui  non  viderunt, 
Et  firmiter  crediderunt; 
Vitam  seternam  habebunt.  Alleluia. 

In  hoc  festo  sanctissimo 
Sit  laus  et  jubilatio: 
Benedicamus  Domino.  Alleluia. 

De  quibus  non  humfllimas, 
Devotas  atque  debitas, 
Deo  dicamus  gi-atias.  Alleluia. 

The  same  in  English. 
Young  men  and  maids!  rejoice  and  sing"; 
The  King1  of  heaven,  the  glorious  King-, 
This  day,  from  death  rose  triumphing'.   Alleluia 

Alleluia,  alleluia,  alleluia. 
And  Magdalen,  in  company 
With  Mary  of  James,  and  Salome, 
T'  embalm  the  corpse,  came  tzealously.  Allehua 
By  Mary  told,  at  break  of  day, 
His  dear  disciples  haste  away 
Unto  the  tomb  wherein  he  lay.  Alleluia. 


VESPERS.  419 

The  much  bclov'cl  Apostle  John, 
Muc'n  swifter  than  Saint  Peter  run, 
And  first  arrived  at  the  tomb.     Alleluia. 

An  Angel  cloth' d  in  white  they  see, 
When  thither  come;  and  thus  spoke  he, 
The  Lord  you'll  meet  in  Galilee.     Alleluia. 

While  in  a  room  th'  Apostles  were, 
Our  Lord  among-  them  did  appear, 
And  said,  Peace  be  unto  all  here.     Alleluia. 

To  Didymus,  when  all  declar'd, 

That  Christ  had  risen  and  appear'd, 

He  doubted,  still,  the  truth  he  heard.     Alleluia. 

O  Thomas!  view  my  hands,  my  side, 
My  feet;  my  wounds  still  fresh  abide; 
Set  incredulity  aside.     Alleluia. 

When  Thomas  his  dear  Saviour  saw, 

And  touch'd  his  wounds  with  trembling1  awe, 

Thou  art  my  God,  said  he,  I  know.     Alleluia. 

Blessed  are  they  who  have  not  seen, 
And  yet,  who  firm  in  faith  have  been; 
With  me  they  shall  for  ever  reign.     Alleluia. 

In  this  most  solemn  feast,  let's  raise 

Our  hearts  to  God  in  hymns  of  praise, 

And  let  us  bless  the  Lord  always.     Alleluia. 

Our  gTateful  thanks  to  God  let's  guve, 

In  humble  manner,  while  we  live, 

For  all  the  favours  we  recei;f      Alleluia. 


420  VESPERS'. 

IX    EASTER    TIME. 

The  Hymn. 
Ad  regias  agni  dapes, 
Stolis  amicti  candidis, 
Post  transitum  maris  rubri, 
Christo  candmus  Prfncipi. 

Divina  cujus  caritas 
Sacrum  propfnat  sanguinem, 
Almique  membra  corporis 
Amor  sacerdos  immolat. 

Sparsum  cruorem  pdstibus 
Vastator  horret  Ang-elus; 
Fugitque  divisum  mare; 
Mersriintur  hostes  fliictibus. 

Jam  Pascha  nostrum  Christus  est, 
Paschalis  idem  vfctima, 
Et  pura  puris  mentibus 
Sinceritatis  azyma. 

O  vera  cocli  vfctima, 
Subjecta  cui  sunt  tartara! 
Soliita  mortis  vfncula, 
Recepta  vitre  prsemia. 

Victor,  subactis  fnferis, 
Trophxa  Christus  explicat, 
Cxloque  aperto,  subditum 
Reg-em  tenebrarum  trahit. 

Ut  sis  perenne  mentibus 
Paschale,  Jesu!  gaudium, 
A  morte  dira  crfminum 
Vit.e  renatos  Kb  era. 


VESPERS.  42] 

Deo  Patri  sit  gloria, 
Et  Fflio,  qui  a  mortuis 
Sun-exit,  ac  Pardclito, 
In  sempiterna  saecula.  Amen. 

K  Mane  nobiscum  Do  mine,  Alleluia. 

R.  Quoniam  advesperascit.   Alleluia. 

The  same  in  English. 
The  Red  sea's  dangers  now  are  past; 
Clad  in  white  robes,  come,  let  us  taste 
The  Lamb's  most  royal  feast,  and  sing 
A  hymn  of  praise  to  Christ,  our  King. 

The  victim,  in  this  mystic  feast, 
Is  Christ  himself;  his  love,  the  priest; 
Love  tore  his  flesh,  love  spilt  his  blood; 
Loves  gives  us  both  to  be  our  food. 
The  posts,  thus  mark'd  with  sacred  gore, 
The  wasting  angel  passes  o'er; 
The  yielding  sea  divides  its  waves; 
Egyptians  float  in  liquid  graves. 
Our  paschal  feast  and  sacrifice, 
Is  Christ,  the  Lamb,  who  for  us  dies; 
Christ  is  the  pure,  unleaven'd  bread, 
By  which  the  purest  minds  are  fed. 
O  true  celestial  sacrifice! 
By  thee,  hell's  pow'r  vanquish'd  lies; 
Relentless  death  unlocks  his  chains, 
And  life  eternal,  man  regains! 
The  tyrant  prince  of  hellish  might 
Thus  conquer'd,  and  tli'  infernal  fight 
Thus  won,  victorious  Christ  displays 
His  spoils,  and  them  to  heaven  conveys. 
36 


422  VESPERS. 

That  we  for  ever  may  possess 
This  joyful  paschal  happiness, 
From  death  of  sin,  O  Jesus!  free 
Those  that  are  born  again  of  thee. 

To  God  the  Father,  and  the  Son 

Who  rose  from  death,  be  homage  done? 

This  praise  for  ever  let's  repeat 

To  God,  the  Holy  Paraclete.    Amen. 

V.  Stay  with  us,  O  Lord!  Alleluia. 

R.  Because  it  is  towards  evening*.   Alleluia 

OX    THE    FESTIVAL    OF    ASCEXSIOX 

The  Hymn. 

Salutis  humanx  sator, 
Jesu!  voluptas  cordium, 
Orbis  redempti  conditor, 
Et  casta  lux  amantium. 

Qua  victus  es  dementia! 
Ut  nostra  ferres  crimina, 
Mortem  subires  fnnocens, 
A  morte  nos  ut  tolleres. 

Pemimpis  infernum  chaos; 
Vinctis  catenas  detrahis: 
Victor  triumpho  nobili 
Ad  d£xteram  Patris  sedes. 

Te  cogat  indulgentia, 
Ut  damna  nostra  sarcias, 
Tufque  vultus  compotes 
Dites  bedto  lumine. 


VESPERS.  423 

Tu  dux  ad  astra  et  semita, 
Sis  meta  nostris  cordibus; 
Sis  lacrymarum  gaudium, 
Sis  dulce  vitae  prxmium.     Amen. 

V.  Dominus  in  ccclo,  Alleluia. 

R.  Paravit  sedem  suam.     Alleluia. 

The  same  in  English. 

Jesus,  the  Saviour  of  mankind! 
Delight  of  ev'ry  pious  mind! 
Restorer  of  man's  fallen  race, 
And  purest  source  of  light  and  grace! 
O  boundless  love!  O  matchless  grace! 
Thou,  guiltless,  tak'st  the  guilty's  place; 
And,  to  make  wretched  sinners  live, 
Thou,  spotless  Lamb !  thy  life  would'st  give. 
Th'  infernal  gates  are  forc'd  by  thee, 
Hell's  captives  from  their  chains  set  free; 
And  thou,  with  this  triumphant  train, 
Ascend'st,  on  God's  right  hand  to  reign. 
Let,  now,  kind  mercy  plead  our  cause; 
Heal  thou  our  wounds,  repair  our  loss; 
And  call  us  to  enjoy  thy  sight, 
In  realms  of  everlasting  light 
O  Jesus!  whilst  on  earth  we  stay, 
Guide  thou  our  footsteps  in  thy  way; 
And  soothe  our  sorrows  with  thy  love, 
Until  we  reign  with  thee  above. 
To  Jesus,  who  ascends  the  sky, 
Be  glory  for  eternity; 
To  God  the  Father  let's  repeat 
The  same,  and  to  the  Paraclete.     Amen. 


424  VESPERS. 

V.  The  Lord  hath  prepared,  Alleluia. 
/?.   His  throne  in  heaven.     Alleluia. 

OX    THE  FESTIVAL  OF  WHITSUXDAT 

The  Hymn. 
Text,  Creator  Spfritus! 
Mentes  tuorum  visita; 
Imple  superna  gratia, 
Qux  tu  creasti,  pectora. 

Qui  dlceris  Paraclitus; 
Altfssimi  donum  Dei, 
Fons  vivus,  ignis,  caritas, 
Et  spiritalis  unctio. 

Tu  septiformis  munere, 
Digitus  Paternx  dexterse; 
Tu  rite  promissum  Patris, 
Sermone  ditans  guttura. 

Acccnde  lumen  sensibus; 
Infiinde  amorem  cordibus: 
Inf  l'rma  nostri  corporis 
Virtute  firmans  perpeti. 

Ilostem  repellas  Mug-ius, 
Pacemque  dones  protinus 
Ductore  sic  te  pnevio 
Vitemus  omne  noxium. 

Per  te  sciamus  da  Patrem 
Nbscamus  atque  Filiuni; 
Teque  utriusque  Spiritum 
Credamus  omni  tempore. 


VESPERS.  4Q5 

Deo  Patri  sit  gloria 

Et  Filio,  qui  a  mortuis 

Sun-exit,  ac  Paniclito 

In  s?ecul6rum  sxcula.  Amen. 
V.  Loquebdntur  varus  linguis  Apostoli,  Alleluia 
R.  Magnalia  Dei.  Alleluia. 

The  same  in  English. 
Spirit,  Creator  of  mankind! 
Come,  visit  ev'ry  pious  mind, 
And  sweetly  let  thy  gTace  invade 
Our  hearts,  O  Lord!  which  thou  hast  made 
Thou  art  the  comforter,  whom  all, 
Gift  of  the  highest  God,  must  call; 
The  living"  fountain,  fire  and  love; 
The  ghostly  unction  from  above; 
God's  sacred  finger,  which  imparts 
A  sev'n-fold  grace  to  faithful  hearts; 
Thou  art  the  Father's  promise,  whence 
We  language  have,  and  eloquence. 
Enlighten,  Lord!  our  souls,  and  grant, 
That  we  thy  love  may  never  want; 
Let  not  our  virtue  ever  fail, 
But  strengthen  what  in  flesh  is  frail. 
Chase  from  our  minds  th'  infernal  foe, 
And  peace,  the  fruit  of  love,  bestow; 
And  lest  our  feet  should  step  astray, 
Protect  and  guide  us  in  the  way. 
Make  us  eternal  truths  receive, 
And  practise  all  that  we  believe: 
Give  us  thyself,  that  we  may  see 
The  Father  and  the  Son  in  thee. 

36* 


426 


VESPERS. 


Immortal  honour,  endless  fame, 
Attend  th'  Almighty  Father's  name; 
To  the  Son  equal  praises  be, 
And,  holy  Paraclete,  to  thee.  Amen. 
V.  The  Apostles  published  in  divers  tongries,  Alle- 
luia. 

R.  The  wonderful  works  of  God.  Alleluia. 

OX  THE  FESTIVAL  OF  CORPUS  CHRISTI. 


Psalms,  Dixit  Dominus,  page  361,  Confite"bor,  page 
363,  Credidi,  page  384. 

Psalm  exxvii. 


Beati  omnes  qui  timent 
Dominum,  *  qui  ambulant 
in  viis  ejus. 

Labores  manuum  tua- 
rum  quia  manducabis:  * 
beatus  es,  et  bene  tibi  erit. 

Uxor  tua,  sicut  vitis 
abiindans,  *  in  lateribus 
domus  tuze. 

Filii  tui,  sicut  novella; 
olivarum,  *  in  circiiitu 
mensx  tuae. 

Ecce  sic  benedic£tur 
homo,  *  qui  timet  Domi- 
num. 

Benedfcattibi  Dominus 
ex  Sion:  *  et  vidcas  bona 


Blessed  are  all  they, 
that  fear  the  Lord:  that 
walk  in  his  ways. 

For  thou  shalt  eat  the 
labours  of  thy  hands : 
blessed  art  thou,  and  it 
shall  be  well  with  thee. 

Thy  wife  shall  be  as  a 
fruitful  vine,  on  the  sides 
of  thy  house. 

Thy  children  as  olive 
plants,  round  about  the 
table. 

Behold,  thus  shall  the 
man  be  blessed,  that  fear- 
eth  the  Lord. 

May  the  Lord  bless  thee 
out  of  Sion,  and  mayest 


VESPERS.  427 

Jerusalem,   dmnibus  die-  thou  see  the  good  things 

bus  vitae  tuac.  of  Jerusalem,  all  the  days 
of  thy  life . 

Et  vi'deas  fflios  filidrum        And  mayest  thou  see 

tuorum,  *  pacem  super  Is-  thy    children's   children, 

rael.  and  peace  upon  Israel. 

Gldria  Patri,  &c.  Glory,  &c. 

The  fifth  Psalm,  Lauda  Jerusalem,  page  c51. 
The  Hymn. 
Paxge,  lingua!  glondsi 
C6rporis  mysterium, 
Sanguinfsque  pretiosi, 
Quern  in  mundi  pretium 
Fnictus  ventris  generosi, 
Rex  effudit  gentium. 

Nobis  datus,  nobis  natus 
Ex  intacta  Virgine, 
Et  in  mundo  conversatus, 
Sparso  verbi  semine, 
Sui  moras  incolatus 
Miro  clausit  ordine. 

In  supremae  nocte  coenx 
Recumbens  cum  fratribus, 
Observdta  lege  plene 
Cibis  in  legalibus, 
Cibum  turbae  duodenae 
Se  dat  suis  m&nibus. 

Verbum  caro,  panem  verum 
Verbo  carnem  efficit: 
Fitque  sanguis  Christi  merum, 


423  VESPERS 

Et  si  sensus  deficit, 

Ad  firmandum  cor  sinc-frum 

Sola  fides  sufficit. 

Tantum  ergo  Sacramentum 
Veneremur  cernui-; 
Et  antiquum  documentum 
Novo  cedat  ritui; 
Prsestet  fides  supplem«5ntum 
Sensuum  defectui. 

Genitori,   Genitoque 
Laus  et  jubilatio, 
Salus,  honor,  virtus  quoque 
Sit  et  benedictio; 
Procedenti  ab  utroque 
Compar  sit  laudatio.  Amen. 

V.  Panem  de  ccelo  prxstitisti  eis,  Alleluia. 

R.  Omne  delectamentum  in  se  habentem.     Alleluia. 

The  same  in  English. 

Sixg,  O  my  tongue!  adore  and  praise 

The  depth  of  God's  mysterious  ways; 

How  Christ,  the  world's  great  King*,  bestow'd 

His  flesh,  conceal'd  in  human  food, 

And  left  mankind  the  blood,  that  paid 

The  ransom  for  the  souls  he  made. 

Giv'n  from  above,  and  born  for  man, 
From  Virgin's  womb  his  life  began; 
He  liv'd  on  earth,  and  preach'd,  to  sow 
The  seeds  of  heav'nly  truth  below; 
Then  seal'd  his  mission  from  above, 
With  strange  effects  of  pow'r  and  love. 


VESPERS.  429 

'Twas  on  that  ev'ning,  when  the  last, 
And  most  mysterious  supper  past; 
When  Christ  with  his  disciples  sat, 
To  close  the  law  with  legal  meat; 
Then  to  the  Twelve  himself  bestow'd, 
With  his  own  hands,  to  be  their  food. 

The  Word,  made  flesh  for  love  of  man, 
His  word  turns  bread  to  flesh  again, 
And  wine  to  blood,  unseen  by  sense, 
By  virtue  of  Omnipotence; 
And  here  the  Faithful  rest  secure, 
WhUst  God  can  vouch,  and  faith  ensure. 

To  this  mysterious  table  now, 

Our  knees,  our  hearts,  and  sense  we  bow; 

Let  ancient  rites  resign  their  place 

To  nobler  elements  of  grace, 

And  faith,  for  all  defects,  supply, 

Whilst  sense  is  lost  in  mystery. 

To  God  the  Father,  born  of  none, 

To  Christ,  his  co-eternal  Son, 

And  Holy  Ghost,  whose  equal  rays 

From  both  proceed,  one  equal  praise, 

One  honour,  jubilee,  and  fame, 

For  ever  bless  his  glorious  name.     Amen. 

V.  Thou  hast  given  them  bread  from  heaven,  Al- 
leluia. 

R.  Replenished  with  all  sweetness  and  delight 
Alleluia. 


HYMNS  AND  ANTHEMS, 

WHICH  MAT   BE  SUNG  AT  THE  BENEDICTION   OF  TU! 
BLESSED  SACRAMENT. 


Chorus.  Adobemus  in  seternum 

Sauctissinmm  Sacramentum. 
Solo.        Laudate  Dominum,  page  369. 

The  same  in  English. 
Prostrate  in  trembling-  awe,  let's  all  adore 
This  holy  Sacrament  for  evermore. 
O  praise  the  Lord,  page  369. 

O  salutabis  hostia, 
Quze  coeli  pandis  ostium! 
Bella  premunt  hostilia, 
Da  robur,  fer  auxilium. 

Uni  trinoque  Domino, 
Sit  sempiterna  gloria; 
Qui  vitam  sine  temiino 
Nobis  donet  in  patria. 

The  same  in  English. 
O  saving  host!  O  heavenly  bread! 
That  mak'st  our  souls  for  ever  live; 
Against  the  cruel  foes  we  dread, 
Thy  heavenly  aid  unto  us  give. 

O  thou,  who  feed'st  us  with  thy  blood! 
Good  shepherd !  praise  be  to  thy  name, 
Whilst  mortals  taste  th'  immortal  food, 
Let  heavenly  choirs  thy  love  proclaim. 


BENEDICTION.  431 

Pan  is  angelicus  fit  panis  hominum, 
Dat  panis  coelicus  figuris  terminum: 
O  res  mirabilis!  mandiicat  Dominum 
Pauper,  servus  et  humilis. 

Te,  trina  Deitas,  unaque  poscimus, 
Sic  nos  tu  visita,  sicut  te  colimus; 
Per  tuas  semitas  due  nos  quo  tendimus, 
Ad  lucem  quam  inhabitas. 

Hit  same  in  English. 
The  bread  of  angels,  bread  of  men  is  made; 
The  truth  and  substance  now  exclude  the  shade. 
O  strange  effect  of  love!  the  sovereign  God 
Becomes  the  poor's,  the  slave's,  the  sinner's  food! 

O  Three  and  One!   we  humbly  thee  implore 

To  manifest  thyself,  as  we  adore? 

By  thy  own  ways  instruct  us  how  to  move, 

To  find  tli'  abyss  of  light,  in  which  thou  dwell'st  above. 

Ave,  verum  corpus!  natum 

De  Maria  Virgine, 
Vere  passumr  immolatum, 

In  cruce  pro  homine. 

Cujus  latus  perforatum 
Unda  fluxit  et  sanguine, 

Esto  nobis  preegustatum, 
Mortis  in  examine. 

O  Jesu  dulcis! 

O  Jesu  pie ! 
O  Jesu  fili  Manx ! 

Tu  nobis  miserere 


432  BENEDICTION. 

The  same  in  English. 
Hail!  real  body  of  our  Lord, 

From  spotless  Virgin  born! 
Hail!  Victim,  stretch' d  upon  the  cross, 

And  for  us,  bruis'd  and  torn ! 

Thy  side  with  cruel  spear  transpierc'd, 

Let  out  a  saving-  flood, 
To  wash  our  sinful  stains  away, 

Of  water  mix'd  with  blood. 

O  heav'nly  manna!  be  our  food, 

Whilst,  in  this  life,  we  stay; 
And  when  death  comes,  prepare  our  souls 

To  meet  the  judgment  day. 

O  gracious  Jesus!  bounteous  Lord! 

O  Mary's  clement  Son! 
Let  sinners  grace  and  pardon  find, 

Before  thy  mercy's  throne. 

The  following  Anthems  to  the  blessed  Virgin  are  some- 
times added. 

Solo.  Sub  tuum  presidium  confiigimus,  sancta  Dei 
genitrix! 

Cliorus.  Sub  tuum,  &c. 

Solo.  Nostras  deprecationes  ne  despfcias  in  ncccssi 
tatibus  nostris. 

Chorus.  Sub  tuum,  &c. 

Solo.  Sed  a  perfculis  cunctis  libera  nos  semper, 
virgo  gloriosa  et  benedicta! 

Chorus.   Sub  tuum,  8cc. 


COMPLLV. 


433 


T7ic  same  in  English. 
0  holt  Mother  of  our  God! 

To  thee  for  help  we  fly; 
Despise  not  this  our  humble  prayer, 

But  all  our  wants  supply. 

O  glorious  Virgin,  ever  bless'd! 

Defend  us  from  our  foes; 
From  threat'ning*  dangers  set  us  free, 

And  terminate  our  woes. 

O  BAVcnssiXA,  O  purfssima, 
Dulcis  Virgo  Maria! 
Chorus.    Mater  amata,  intemerata! 
Ora,  ora  pro  nobis. 
Tota  pulchra  es,  O  Alalia! 
Et  macula  non  est  in  te. 
Mater  amata,  &c. 
Sicut  lilium  inter  spinas, 
Sic  Maria  inter  f  flias. 
Mater  amata,  &c. 
37 


SijIu- 


Chorus. 
Solo. 

Clvrrus. 


HYMNS. 


Hymn  of  Thanksgiving. 

Te  Deum  laudamus:  *  te  Dominum  confitemur. 

Te  xt^rnum  Patrem,  *  omnis  terra  veneratur. 

Tibi  omnes  angeli:  #  tibi  cadi,  et  universx  potes- 
tates: 

Tibi  Cherubim  et  Seraphim  *  incessabili  voce  pro- 
rlamant, 

Sanctus,  Sanctus,  Sanctus  *  Dominus  Deus  Sabaoth. 

Pleni  sunt  coeli  et  terra  *  majestatis  glorix  tux. 

Te  gloriosus  #  Apostolorum  chorus; 

Te  Prophetarum  *  laudabilis  mimerus; 

Te  Martyrum  candidatus  *  laudat  exercitus; 

Te  per  orbem  terrarum  *  sancta  confitetur  Ecclesia, 

Patrem  *  immense  majestatis; 

Vener&ndum  tuum  verum  *  et  unicum  Filium, 

Sanctum  quoque  *  Paraclitum  Spiritum. 

Tu  Rex  *  gloria:  Christe! 

Tu  Patris  *  sempiternus    es  Filius. 

Tu  ad  liberandum  susceptiirus  hominem,  *  non 
liurruisti  Virginia  rite  rum. 

Tu  devicto  mortis  aciileo,  *  aperuisti  credentibus 
regna  cccldrum. 

Tu  ad  dexteram  Dei  sedes  *  in  gloria  Patris. 

Judex  cvcderis  *  esse  venturus. 

Te  ergo  quaesumus,  famulis  tuis  subveni,  *  quo? 
pirtioso  sanguine  redemfsti. 

JEtema  fac  *  cum  Sanctis  tuis  in  gldria  numcrari. 

Salvum  fac  populum  tuum,  Domir.c!  *  et  btSnedic 
hereditati  tu?c. 


HYMNS.  43.") 

Kt  reg-e  eos:  *  etextolle  illos  usque  in  xternum. 

Per  singnlos  dies,  *  benedicimus  te. 

Et  lauddmus  nomen  tuum  in  sxculum,  *  et  in  sxcu- 
lum  sxculi. 

Dignare,  Domine!  die  isto  *  sine  peccatonos  custo- 
dire. 

Miserere  nostri  Ddmine!  *  miserere  nostri. 

Fiat  misericordia  tua,  Domine!  super  nos:  *  quem- 
admodum  speravimus  in  te. 

Inte,  Domine!  speravi:  *  nonconfundarinjeternum 

The  same  in  English. 
Thee,  sovereign  God!  we  grateful  praise, 
And  gTeet  thee,  Lord!  in  festive  lays; 
To  thee,  gTeat  Sire!  earth's  boundless  frame 
With  echoes  sounds  immortal  fame: 

Lord  God  of  hosts,  the  heavenly  pow'rs  ?  .    . 

For  thee  vibrate  the  vaulted  tow'rs.       ^ 

Cherubs  and  Seraphs  tliron'd  on  high 
Still  holy,  holy,  holy  cry. 
Both  heaven  and  earth  aloud  display 
Thy  beauty,  gTandeur,  majesty; 

Thy  praises  fill  th'  Apostles'  choir; 

The  Prophets  in  the  song-  conspire. 

The  crimson'd  band  in  chorus  shine, 
And  vocal  blood  with  music  join; 
By  these  inspir'd  with  heav'nly  art, 
Thy  church  maintains  a  second  part; 

And  tunes  her  notes,  O  God!  for  thee, 

Father  of  boundless  majesty. 

The  Son,  co-partner  of  thy  seat, 
And  th'  equal,  endless  Paracletes 


436  HYMNS. 

Thou  King-  of  glory!  Christ  most  high! 
Thou  co-eternal  Deity; 

Thou,  who  t'  avert  the  world's  dread  doom, 

Didst  dwell  within  a  virgin's  womb. 
The  tyrant  death  before  thee  flew, 
And  heaven  unbarr'd,  her  foldings  drew, 
To  guide  the  faithfid  in  thy  way, 
From  God's  right  hand  thy  beams  display; 

Thou  art  to  judge  both  quick  and  dead; 

Spare  us,  for  whom  thy  blood  was  shed. 
O!  grant  us,  with  the  saints  above, 
To  share  thy  everlasting  love; 
Save,  Lord!  thy  people,  and  enhance 
Thy  grace  on  thy  inheritance. 

For  ever  rule  and  guide  their  ways, 

Each  day  we'll  chaunt  aloud  thy  praise 
No  age  shall  fail  t'  extol  thy  name, 
No  hour  neglect  thy  lasting  fame. 
Preserve  us,  Lord!  this  day  from  ill, 
Have  mercy,  Lord!  have  mercy  still. 

As  we  have  hop'd,  so  crown  our  pain; 

Let  notour  hope  in  thee  be  vain. 

Hymn  for  Christmas. 
Adeste,  fideles  lxti  triumphantes, 
Venite,  venite  in  Bethlehem; 
Natum  videte  regem  angelorum. 
Chorus.     Venite,  adoremus,  venite  adoremus, 
Venite  adoremus  Dominurn. 
En,  grege  relicto,  hiimiles  ad  cunas 
Vocati  Pastores  approperant; 
Et  nos  ovanti  gradu  festin^mus. 
C/torus.        Venite,  &.c. 


hymns.  4 :;: 

JEicrm  Parentis  splendorem  xternum 
Velatum  sub  came  videbimus, 
Deum  infantem  pannis  involiitum. 
Chorus.     Venite,  8tc. 

Pro  nobis  egenum  et  foeno  cubantem 
Piis  foveamus  amplexibus; 
Sic  nos  amantem,  quis  non  redamaret? 
Chorus.     Yerute,  &c. 

The  same  in  English. 
To  Betlilehem  haste,  on  this  auspicious  day; 
Begone  despair,  our  joy  and  hope  are  near: 
The  King-  of  angels  earthward  bends  his  way. 
Chorus.     A  God,  a  God!  by  love  and  justice  sent! 
In  heaven,  on  earth,  in  hell  let  every  knee  be 
bent. 

Hark,  softly  stealing  on  the  midnight  air, 
Celestial  voices  catch  the  shepherds'  ear! 
Their  flocks  forgot: — the  crib  is  all  their  care. 
Chorus.     A  God,  &c. 

Splendour  eternal  of  th'  eternal  King 
By  mortal  shape  obscured!  a  God  in  rags! 
To  thee  our  thanks,  our  humble  praise  we  bring. 
Chorus.     A  God,  &c. 

Clasp  to  your  hearts  the  babe  who  laid  on  straw, 
A  life  of  wo  for  us  already  drags; 
So  lov'd — to  love  be  now  our  sacred  law. 
Chorus.    A  God,  &cc. 


37' 


4?8  HYMNS. 

Sequence  for  Wliit- Sunday 

Vexj,  Sancte  Spiritus! 
Et  emitte  coelitus, 

Lucis  tux  radium. 
Veni,  pater  pduperum! 
Veni,  dator  munerum! 

Veni,  lumen  cordium! 

Consolator  optime! 
Dulcis  hospes  animse! 

Dulce  refrig-erium! 
In  labore  requies, 
In  xstu  temperies, 

In  fletu  solatium. 

O  Lux  beatissima! 
Reple  cordis  intima, 

Tudrum  fideTium. 
Sine  tuo  mimine, 
Nihil  est  in  homine, 

Nihil  est  innoxium. 

Lava  quod  est  sdrdidum, 
Riga,  quod  est  aridum, 

Sana  quod  est  faucium, 
1'lecte  quod  est  ng-idum, 
Fove  quod  est  frig-idum, 

Rege  quod  est  devium. 

Da  tuis  fidelibus, 
In  te  confitentibus, 

Sacnim  septenarium. 
Da  virtiitis  meritum, 
Da  salutis  exitum, 

DapeiTcnnegaudium.  Amen.  Alleluia. 


HYMNS.  439 

The  same  in  English. 
Come,  Holy  Ghost!  send  down  those  beams, 
Which  sweetly  flow  in  silent  streams, 

From  thy  bright  throne  above; 
Come,  thou,  the  father  of  the  poor! 
Phou  bounteous  source  of  all  our  store! 

Come,  fire  our  hearts  with  love. 

Come,  thou,  of  comforters  the  best! 
Come,  thou,  the  soul's  delightful  guest, 

The  pilgrim's  sweet  relief! 
Thou  art  our  rest  in  toil  and  sweat, 
Refreshment  in  excessive  heat, 

And  solace  in  our  gTief. 

O  sacred  light!  shoot  home  thy  darts, 
O!  pierce  the  centre  of  these  hearts! 

Whose  faith  aspires  to  thee: 
Without  thy  Godhead,  nothing  can 
Have  any  price  or  worth  in  man; 

Nothing  can  harmless  be. 

Lord!  wash  our  sinful  stains  away; 
Water  from  heaven  our  barren  clay, 

Our  wounds  and  bruises  heal: 
To  thy  sweet  yoke  our  stiff  necks  bend; 
T"  inflame  our  cold  hearts,  thy  fire  send, 

Our  wand'ring  feet  repeal. 

O  grant  thy  faithful,  dearest  Lord! 
Whose  only  hope  is  thy  sure  word, 

The  sev'n  gifts  of  thy  spirit: 
Grant  us  in  life  t'  obey  thy  grace; 
Grant  us  at  death  to  see  thy  face, 

And  endless  joys  inherit. 


440  HYMNS. 

Sequence  for  Corpus  Christi. 
Lauda,  Sion,  Salvatorem 
Lauda  ducem  et  pastorem 

In  hymnis  et  canticis. 
Qauntum  potes,  tantum  aude 
Quia  major  omni  laude 

Nee  laudare  sufficis. 

Laudis  thema  specialis 
Panis  vivus  et  vitalis 

Hodie  proponitur. 
Quern  in  sacrae  mensa  ccenx, 
Turbae  fratrum  duodenae, 

Datum  non  ambig-itur. 

Sit  laus  plena,  sit  sonora, 
Sit  jucunda,  sit  decora 

Mentis  jubilatio. 
Dies  enim  solemnis  agutur, 
In  qua  mensae  prima  recolitur 

Hujus  institutio. 

In  hac  mensa  novi  Regis 
Novum  Pascha  novae  leg-is, 

Phase  vetus  terminat. 
Vetustatem  novitas, 
Umbram  fug-at  Veritas, 

Noctem  lux  eliminat. 
Quod  in  coena  Christus  g-essit, 
Faciendum  hoc  expressit, 

In  sui  memo  nam. 
Docti  sacris  institiitis, 
Panem,  vinum  in  salutis 

Consecramus  hostiam. 


HYMNS.  441 

Dogma  datur  Christianis, 
Quod  in  carnem  transit  panis, 

Et  vinum  in  sangaiinem. 
Quod  non  capis,  quod  non  vides, 
Animosa  firmat  fides, 

Prxter  rerum  drdinem. 
Sub  diversis  speciebus 
Signis  tantum,  et  non  rebus, 

Latent  res  exfmiae. 
Caro  cibus,  sanguis  potus; 
Manet  tamen  Christus  totus, 

Sub  utraque  specie. 
A  sumente  non  concisus, 
Xon  confractus,  non  divisus, 

Integ'er  accipitur. 
Sumit  unus,  sumunt  mille, 
Quantum  isti,  tantum  ille, 

Nee  sumptus  consumitur. 
Sumunt  boni,  sumunt  mali: 
Sorte  tamen  uixqu&Ii, 

Vitae  vel  interitus. 
Mors  est  malis,  vita  bonis; 
Vide  paris  sumptionis, 

Quam  sit  dispar  exitus. 
Fracto  demum  Sacramento, 
Ne  vacflles,  sed  memento, 
Tantum  esse  sub  frag-mento, 

Quantum  toto  tegntur. 
Nulla  rei  fit  scissiira; 
Sig'ni  tantum  fit  fractura; 
Qua,  nee  status,  nee  statiira 

Signdli  minuitur. 


44'2  HYMNS. 

Ecce  panis  Angelorum, 
Factus  cibus  viatorum; 
Vere  panis  filiorum, 

Non  mittendus  canibus. 
In  figriris  prcsignatur, 
Cum  Isaac  immolatur; 
Agnus  paschx  deputatur, 

Datur  manna  patribus. 
Bone  Pastor,  panis  vere! 
Jesu!  nostri  miserere: 
Tu  nos  pasce,  nos  tuere, 
Tu  nos  bona  fac  videre 

In  terra  viventium. 
Tu  qui  cuncta  scis  et  vales, 
Qui  nos  pascis  hie  mortales: 
Tuos  ibi  commensales 
Cohaeredes  et  sodales 

Fac  sanct6rum  civium.  Amen.  Allelnia 

The  same  in  English. 

BnEAK.  forth,  O  Sion!  thy  sweet  Saviour  sing-, 
Thy  heav'nly  Guide,  thy  Pastor,  and  thy  King- 
Exalt  his  name,  and  loudly  sound  his  praise, 
In  tuneful  organs,  and  in  vocal  lays. 

Attempt  the  arduous  theme,  ascend  as  hig-h, 
As  soaring-  thoughts  or  wing's  of  faith  can  fly- 
The  wonder,  then,  above  all  praise  confess, 
Immensely  greater,  than  thou  canst  express. 

Behold!  the  living"  and  life-giving-  bread, 
With  solemn  pomp  on  holy  altars  spread, 
Now  fills  our  song,  a  subject  all  divine, 
In  which  the  wonders  of  th'  Almighty  shine- 


HYMNS.  443 

The  bread  of  life,  which  ev'rv  faithful  breast 
Relieves  was  broken  at  the  royal  feast, 
When  to  the  sacred  college  it  was  given, 
Alike  to  Judas  and  the  dear  Eleven. 

With  heart  inflam'd,  now  raise  thy  tuneful  voice 
In  nobler  strains,  and  let  thy  soul  rejoice; 
Let  ev'ry  thing  within  thee  jointly  move, 
To  bless  the  sweet  invention  of  his  love. 

Let  age  to  age  record  the  solemn  day, 
And  constant  homage  for  the  bounty  pay; 
When  he  first  gave  himself,  in  humble  guise, 
At  once  both  Sacrament  and  Sacrifice. 

Figures  and  types  take  wing  and  fly  away, 
As  darkness  does  at  the  approach  of  day. 
New  heav'nly  light  new  mysteries  unfold, 
And  the  new  Pascha  terminates  the  old. 

What  Christ  then  did,  we  celebrate  the  same, 
In  his  own  words,  and  in  his  sacred  name; 
As  he  commanded,  the  dread  mystery 
Should  be  repeated  to  his  majesty. 

And  thus,  by  him,  who  spoke,  and  all  was  made, 
Divinely  taught,  we  consecrate  the  bread 
And  wine  into  the  soul's  all-saving  food, 
His  glorious  body  and  atoning  blood. 

This  sacred  dogma  we  from  him  receive, 
(Nor  can  the  oracle  of  truth  deceive) 
That  bread  is  changed  (hence  an  outward  sign^ 
Into  his  flesh,  and  into  blood  the  wine. 

What  reason  reaches  not,  nor  sense  descries, 
Faith's  purer  light  abundantly  supplies: 


441  HYMNS. 

Above  all  nature  we  confess  his  sway, 

Bow  down  our  hearts;  'tis  fit  we  should  obey. 

The  narrow  compass  of  two  forms,  mere  sign;* 
Not  real  things,  th'  Incarnate  Word  defines, 
Th'  exhaustless  source,  and  sweetest  overflow 
Of  all  good  tilings  that  heaven  can  bestow. 

His  deify'd  true  flesh  and  precious  blood, 
Immortal  and  immortalizing  food, 
Is  meat  and  drink  indeed,  and  wholly  thine, 
Under  the  sep'rate  forms  of  bread  and  wine. 

Impassible's  the  Victim  we  adore, 
Unaltered  by  touch,  nor  broke  nor  tore; 
But  Jesus  whole,  in  veiled  majesty; 
Each  one  receives,  stupendous  prodigy! 
Let  thousands  feed; — be  thou  the  only  guest, 
As  much  thou  dost  receive,  as  all  the  rest; 
Unnumber'd  thousands  eat,  yet  still  they  leave 
The  unconsumed  whole,  they  did  receive. 
Both  good  and  bad  to  this  blest  banquet  come. 
But  how  unlike,  how  different  their  doom! 
For  'tis  as  we  approach,  as  foes  or  friends, 
Th'  alternative  of  life  or  death  depends. 
The  heav'nly  bread,  that  sweet  enlivening  food 
Is  to  th'  unworthy,  death; — life  to  the  good: 
Then  ponder  well  the  different  event, 
Of  like  receiving  this  dread  Sacrament. 
Whenever  this  blest  Sacrament  shall  lie 
In  diff'rent  parcels,  broke  before  your  eye. 
Then  waver  not,  remember  there  remains 
Under  each  fragment,  what  the  whole 
The  same  sweet  Jesus,  who  in  glory  re 


.ins  J 

contains,  \ 
ig-ns.         J 


HYMNS.  44", 

Lo!  *l«n,  O  man!  involved  in  rapture  see 

The  b.^ead  of  angels  thus  made  food  for  thee; 

Food  to  refresh  the  pilgrim  on  his  way 

To  die  blest  regions  of  eternal  day; 

A.  sweet  viatic;  a  divine  repast; 

True  children's  bread,  to  dogs  not  to  be  cast. 

Wrapt  up  in  types,  the  Lamb  long"  figured  lay. 

Till  circling"  years  the  shadows  drove  away. 

In  Isaac  'twas  in  lively  figure  slain, 

And  in  the  Paschal  Lamb,  it  bled  again; 

The  ancient  fathers  too,  in  manna  eat, 

In  type,  or  figure,  this  life -giving"  meat. 

Good  Pastor,  then,  true  bread,  sweet  Jesus!   show 

Thy  tend'rest  mercies  to  thy  sheep  below; 

Feed  and  defend  us  here,  that  we  may  see 

Good  thing's,  with  those,  who  live  and  reign  with  thee 

In  heav'nly  regions,  ever  there  to  spend, 

In  joys  celestial,  years  that  never  end. 

O  thou  all-good,  ill-potent,  and  all-wise! 

Who  feed'st  us  h<  re,  with  thine  own  sacrifice, 

Make  us  sit  down  with  thee  amongst  the  bless'd. 

At  thine  own  table,  in  eternal  rest; 

Wrhere  we  with  them,  thy  glory  may  adore, 

Companions  and  co-heirs,  for  evermore. 

TJie  Plaint  of  the  B.  Virgin. 
Stabat  Mater  dolor6sa, 
Juxta  crucem  lacrymosa, 

Dum  pendebat  filius. 
Cujus  animam  gementem, 
Contristatam  et  dolentem, 

Pertransivit  gladius. 
38 


446  HYMNS. 


O  quam  tristis  et  afflicta, 
Fuit  ilia  benedfcta 

Mater  unig-eniti! 
Qux  moerebat  et  dolebat, 
Pia  mater,  cum  videbat 

Nati  poenas  inclvti! 

Quis  est  homo,  qui  non  fl^re?^ 
Christi  matrem  si  viderei 

Tn  tan  to  supph'cio? 
Quis  posset  non  contristdri 
Piam  matrem  contemplari 

Dolentem  cum  fflio? 
Pro  peccatis  suae  g-entis, 
Vidit  Jesum  in  tormentis, 

Et  flag-ellis  subditum. 
Vidit  suum  dulcem  natum, 
Morientem,  desolatum, 

Dum  emisit  spiritum. 
Eia  mater,  fons  amoris ! 
Me  sentire  vim  doloris 

Fac  ut  tecum  lug-earn. 
Pac  ut  ardeat  cor  meum, 
In  amando  Christum  Deum, 

Ut  illi  complaceam. 
Sancta  mater!  istud  agus, 
Crucif  ix'i  fige  plagas 

Cordi  meo  valide. 
Tui  Nati  vulnerati, 
Tain  dignati  pro  me  pati, 

Pcrnas  mecum  divide. 
Fac  me  tecum  pie  flere, 
Crucifixo  condolere, 


HYMNS.  44" 

Donee  ego  vixero, 
Juxta  cnicem  tecum  stare, 
Et  tibi  me  sociare, 

In  planctu  desfdero. 
Virg-o  virg-inum  praeclara! 
Mihi  jam  non  sis  aaiara, 

Fac  me  tecum  plang-ere, 
Fac  ut  portem  Christi  mortem, 
Passionis  fac  consortem, 

Et  plag-as  recolere. 
Fac  me  plagis  vulnerari, 
Fac  me  cruce  inebriari, 

Et  cruore  fi'lii. 
Inflammatus  et  accensus, 
Per  te,  virgo!  sim  defensus, 

In  die  judicii. 
Fac  me  cruce  custodin, 
Morte  Christi  praemuniri, 

Confove'ri  gratia. 
Quando  corpus  morietur, 
Fac  ut  animac  donetur, 

Paradisi  gloria.     Amen. 

For  the  traiislation,  see  page  284. 

Sequence  for  Masses  of  the  Dead 

Dies  irse,  dies  ilia, 
Solvit  sscclum  in  favflla: 
Teste  David  cum  Sybflla. 
Quantus  tremor  est  futurus, 
Quando  Judex  est  venturui, 
Cunctastricte  discussurus' 


448  HYMNS. 


Tuba  mirum  spargens  sonum 
Per  sepiilchra  regionum, 
Coget  omnes  ante  thronum. 

Mors  stupebit,  et  natiira, 
Cum  resiirget  creatura, 
Judicanti  responsiira. 

Liber  scriptus  profcretur, 
In  quo  totum  continetur, 
Unde  mundus  judicetur. 

Judex  ergo  cum  sedebit, 
Quidquid  latet,  apparebi*, 
Nil  inultum  remanebit. 

Quid  sum  miser  tunc  dicturus? 
Quern  patronum  rogatiirus, 
Cum  vix  Justus  sit  seciirus? 

Rex  tremendx  majestatis! 
Qui  salvandos  salvas  gratis, 
Salva  me,  fons  pietatis! 

Recordare,  Jesu  pie! 
Quod  sum  causa  tuse  viae, 
Ne  me  perdas  ilia  die. 

Quxrens  me,  sedisti  lassus: 
Redemisti  crucem  passus: 
Tantus  labor  non  sit  cassus. 

Juste  judex  ultionis! 
Donum  fac  remissionis, 
Ante  diem  rationis. 
Ingemisco  tanquam  reus: 
Culpa  rubet  vultus  meus: 
Supplicanti  parce  Deus. 


HYMNS  44  J 

Qui  Mariam  absolvisti, 
Kt  latronem  exaudi'sti, 
Mihi  quoque  spem  dedisti. 
Preces  meae  non  sunt  dignx: 
Sed  tu  bonus  fac  benigne 
Ne  perenni  cremer  ig-ne. 
Inter  oves  locum  prsesta, 
Et  ab  hxdis  me  sequestra, 
Statuens  in  parte  dextra. 
Confutatis  maledictis, 
Flammis  acribus  addictis, 
Voca  me  cum  benedfctis. 
Oro  supplex  et  acclfnis, 
Cor  contritum  quasi  cinis, 
Gere  curam  mei  finis. 
Lacrymosa  dies  ilia 
Qua  resurget  ex  favflla 
Judicandus  homo  reus. 
Huic  ergo  parce  Deus, 
Pie  Jesu  Domine! 
Dona  eis  requiem.  Amen. 

Tlit  same  in  English. 
That  day  of  wrath,  that  direful  day, 
Shall  in  the  heav'ns  the  cross  display, 
And  all  the  world  in  ashes  lay. 
How  shall  poor  mortals  quake  with  fears, 
When  their  impartial  Judge  appears. 
Who  all  their  causes  strictly  hears! 
His  trumpet  sounds  a  dreadful  tone; 
The  noise  through  all  the  graves  is  blown, 
And  calls  the  dead  before  his  tlu-one. 
38* 


450  HYMNS. 

Nature  and  death  shall  stand  and  gaze, 
When  creatures  shall  their  bodies  raise, 
And  answer  for  their  ill-spent  days. 

The  clear  writ  book  of  conscience  known, 
Sin's  black  indictments  shall  be  shown. 
And  every  soul  his  guilt  shall  own. 

So  when  the  Judge  shall  sit  on  high, 
All  hidden  crimes  shall  open  lie; 
No  sin  shall  from  due  vengeance  fly. 

What  plea  shall  wicked  f,  pretend } 
What  patron  move,  to  stand  my  friend, 
When  scarce  the  just  themselves  defend* 

O  dreadful  God!  O  glorious  King! 
Who  dost  the  saved  freely  bring 
To  bliss,  save  me,  O  mercy's  spring! 

O  pious  Jesus!  call  to  mind 

Thy  labours,  for  my  good  design'd; 

Grant  I,  that  day,  may  mercy  find. 

Thou  satt'st  down  weary,  seeking  me, 
Ilang'dst  on  the  cross,  my  soul  to  free; 
Let  no  such  labours  fruitless  be. 

Dread  Judge!  whose  justice  is  severe, 
My  long  black  score  of  sins  make  elear, 
Ere  the  accounting  dty  appear. 
I,  as  a  guilty  person,  groan; 
My  faults  are  in  my  blushes  known; 
Pity,  dear  Lord!  thy  suppliant's  moan. 
The  weeping  Magdalen's  relief, 
And  op'ning  heaven  to  the  thief, 
Have  with  sweet  hopes  allay  M.  my  grief 


UVMNS.  451 

My  worthless  pray'rs  deserve  no  hire; 
But  thou,  mild  Lord!  thy  grace  inspire, 
To  save  me  from  eternal  fire. 

Among-  thy  sheep  grant  I  may  stand, 
Far  from  the  g-oat's  condemned  band; 
Securely  plac'dat  thy  right  hand. 

TV  accurs'd  troops  being"  put  to  shame, 
Confin'd  to  hell's  ne'er-dying-  flame, 
Among-st  the  bless'd  enrol  my  name. 

Prostrate,  my  contrite  heart  I  rend, 
My  God,  my  Father,  and  my  Friend! 
Do  not  forsake  me  in  my  end. 

That  day  of  doom,  that  day  of  tears, 
When  g-uilty  man  awakes  in  fears, 
From  dust,  and  'fore  his  judg-e  appears. 

O  bounteous  Jesus,  Lord  for  ever  blest! 
Give  faithful  souls  departed  endless  rest. 

ON  DATS  OF  THANKSGIVING  APPOINTED   BT  THE  CIVIL 
KAGISTIIATE. 

Psalm  cii. 

Benedic,   dnima  mea!  Bless  the  Lord,  O  my 

Domino:  *  et  omnia  qua:  soul!   and  let  all  that  is 

intra     me    sunt,    nomini  within  me  praise  his  holy 

♦vmcto  ejus.  name. 

Benedic,    anima  mea!  Bless  the  Lord,  O  my 

Domino:  *  et  noli oblivisci  soul!  and  never  forget  all 

omnes  retributiones  ejus:  that  he  hath  done  for  thee. 

Qui    propiti&tur   <5mni-  Who  forg-iveth  all  thy 

bus    iniquitatibus  tuis:  *  iniquities:  who  healeth  all 

qui  sanat   omnes  infirmi-  thy  diseases, 
tates  tuas. 


452 


PSALM  OF  THANKSGIVING 


Qui  redimit  de  interitu 
vitam  tuam :  *  quicoronat 
te  in  misericordia  et  mi- 
serationibus. 

Qui  replet  in  bonis  de- 
side  rium  tuum;  *  renova- 
bltur  ut  aquilae  juventus 
tua. 

Faciens  misericordias 
Ddminus;  *  et  judicium 
omnibus  injuriam  patien- 
tibus. 

Notas  fecit  vias  suas 
Moysi;  *  f  fliis  Israel  vo- 
luntates  suas. 

Miserator  et  misericors 
Dominus:  *  longdnimis,  et 
multum  misericors. 

Non  in  perpetuum  iras- 
cetur;  *  nequein  xternum 
comminabitur. 

Non  secundum  peccata 
nostra  fecit  nobis;*  neque 
secundum  iniquitates  nos- 
tras retribuit  nobis. 

Quoniam  secundum  al- 
titiidinem  coeli  a  teiTa,  # 
corroboravit  misericordi- 
am  suam  super  timentes 
se. 

Quantum  distat  ortus 
ab  occidente;  *  longe  fecit 


Who  redeemeththy  life 
from  destruction;  who 
crowneth  thee  with  mer- 
cy and  compassion. 

Who  satisfied!  thy  de- 
sire with  good  thing's :  thy 
youth  shall  be  renewed 
like  the  eagle's. 

The  Lord  doeth  mer- 
cies, and  judgment  for  all 
that  suffer  wrong". 

He  hath  made  his  ways 
known  to  Moses;  his  wills 
to  the  children  of  Israel. 

The  Lord  is  compas- 
sionate and  merciful;  long- 
suffering-  and  plenteous  in 
mercy. 

He  will  not  always  be 
angry:  nor  will  he  threat- 
en for  ever. 

He  hath  not  dealt  with 
us  according  to  our  sins; 
nor  rewarded  us  accoro 
ing  to  our  iniquities. 

For  according  to  the 
height  of  the  heaven 
above  the  earth;  he  hath 
strengthened  his  mercy  to- 
wards them  that  fear  him. 

As  far  as  the  cast  is  from 
the  west,  so  far  hath  lie 


VSALM  OF  THANKSGIVING. 


453 


a  nobis  iniquit&tes  nos- 
tras. 

Quomodo  miseretur  pa- 
ter filiorum,  misertus  est 
Do  minus  timentibus  se:  * 
quoniam  ipse  cognovit  fig*- 
mentum  nostrum. 

Recordatus  est  quoniam 
pulvis  sunms:  *  homo, 
sicut  focnum  dies  ejus; 
tanquam  flos  agri,  sic 
efflorebit. 

Quoniam  spiritus  per- 
transibit  in  illo  et  non 
subsistet;  *  etnoncog-nos- 
cet  amplius  locum  suum. 

Misericord ia  autem  Do- 
mini ab  seterno,  et  usque 
in  seternum,  *  super  ti- 
mentes  eum. 

Et  justitia  ilKus  in  filios 
filiorum,  *  his  qui  servant 
testamentum  ejus: 

Et  me  mores  sunt  man- 
datorum  ipsius,  *  ad  faci- 
endum ea. 

D6minus  in  coelo  para- 
vit  sedem  suam;  *  et  reg- 
num  ipsius  omnibus  domi- 
nabitur. 

Benedicite  D6mino  om- 
nesangeli  ejus:  *  potentes 


removed  our  iniquities 
from  us. 

As  a  father  hath  com- 
passion on  his  children;  so 
hath  the  Lord  compassion 
on  them  that  fear  him:  foi 
he  knoweth  our  frame. 

He  remembereth  that 
we  are  dust:  man's  days 
are  as  grass,  as  the  flower 
of  the  field  so  shall  he 
flourish. 

For  the  spirit  shall  pass 
in  him:  and  he  shall  not 
be,  and  he  shall  know  his 
place  no  more. 

But  the  mercy  of  the 
Lord  is  from  eternity,  and 
unto  eternity,  unto  them 
that  fear  him. 

And  his  justice  unto 
children's  children:  to 
such  as  keep  his  cove- 
nant: 

And  are  mindful  of  his 
commandments,  to  do 
them. 

The  Lord  hath  prepared 
his  throne  in  heaven:  and 
his  kingdom  shall  rule 
over  all. 

Bless  the  Lord  all  ye 
his  Angels:  von  that  are 


45  i 


PSALM  OF  THANKSGIVING. 


virtute,  facientes  verbum 
ilh'us,  ad  audiendam  vo- 
cem  sermonum  ejus. 

Benedicite  Domino  om- 
nes  virtiites  ejus:  *  minis- 
tri  ejus  qui  facitis  volun- 
tatem  ejus. 

Benedicite  D6mino  om- 
nia opera  ejus,  in  omni 
loco  dominationis  ejus:  * 
benedic  anima  mea  Domi- 
no. 

Gloria  Patri,  &c. 

Oremas. 
Deus  !  cujus  misericor- 
diae  non  est  niimerus,  et 
bonitatis  infinitus  est  the- 
saurus: piissimre  majes- 
tatis  tux  pro  collatis  do- 
nis  gratias  ag-imus,  tuam 
semper  clementiam  exo- 
rantes;  ut,  qui  petentibus 
postulata  concedis,  eos- 
dem  non  deserens,  ad  prx- 
mia  futiira  disponas:  per 
Dominum  nostrum,  &.c. 


mighty  in  strength,  and 
execute  his  word,  heark- 
ening- to  the  voice  of  his 
orders. 

Bless  the  Lord,  all  ye 
his  hosts:  you  ministers 
of  his,  that  do  his  will. 

Bless  the  Lord,  all  his 
works:  in  eveiy  place  of 
his  dominion:  O  my  soul! 
bless  the  Lord. 

Glory,  &c. 

Let  us  pray. 
O  God!  whose  mercies 
are  without  number,  and 
the  treasure  of  whose 
g-oodness  is  infinite,  we 
give  thee  thanks  for  the 
blessing's  thou  hast  be- 
stowed upon  us:  always 
beseeching"  thy  divine  ma- 
jesty, that  as  thou  grant- 
est  what  we  ask,  so  thou 
wouldst  continue  thy  fa- 
vours to  us,  that  by  them 
we  may  be  prepared  to  re- 
ceive the  rewards  of  eter- 
nal happiness:  through 
our  Lord,  Jesus  Clirist,8cc 


PSALM  OF  HUMILIATION. 


455 


ON  DAYS  OF  FASTING  AND  HUMILIATION. 


Psalm  1. 


MisEREiiEmei,  Deus,  * 
secundum  magnam  mise- 
ricordiam  tuam. 

Et  secundum  multitu- 
dinem  miserationum  tud- 
rum,  *  dele  iniquitatem 
meam. 

Amplius  lava  me  ab  ini- 
quitate  mea;  *  et  a  pecca- 
to  meo  munda  me. 

Qu6niam  iniquitatem 
meam  ego  cognosco;  *  et 
peccatum  meum  contra 
me  est  semper. 

Tibisolipeccavi,  et  ma- 
lum coram  te  feci;  *  ut 
justifice'ris  in  sermonibus 
tuis,  et  vincas  cum  judi- 
caris. 

Ecce  enim  in  iniquita- 
tibus  conceptus  sum;  *  et 
in  peccatis  concepit  me 
mater  mea. 

Ecce  enim  veritatem 
ililexisti;  *  incerta  et  oc- 
culta sapiential  tuae  mani- 
festasti  mi  hi. 

Asperses  me  hyssopo, 
et    mundabor:  *    lavabis 


me,  et  super  nivem  deal- 
babor. 

Auditui  meo  dabis  gau- 
dium  et  lxtitiam:  *  et  ex- 
ultabunt  ossa  humiliata. 

Averte  faciem  tuam  a 
peccatis  meis:  *  et  omnes 
iniquitates  meas  dele. 

Cor  mundum  crea  in 
me,  Deus!  *  et  spiritum 
rectum  (nnova  in  visce'ri- 
bus  meis. 

Ne  projicias  me  a  fli- 
cie  tua;  *  et  spiritum 
sanctum  tuum,  ne  auferas 
a  me. 

Redde  mini  lxtitiam  sa- 
lutaris  tui;  *  et  spiritu 
principali  confirma  me. 

Docebo  iniquos  vias  tu- 
as;  *  et  impii  ad  te  con- 
vertentur. 

Libera  me  de  sanguini- 
bus,  Deus,  Deus  salutis 
meae:  *  et  exaltdbit  lingua 
mea  justftiam  tuam. 

D6mine  labia  mea  ape- 
ries; *  et  os  meum  annun- 
ciabit  laudem  tuam. 


456 


LITANIiE  SANCTORUM. 


Qu6niam  si  voluisses 
sacrificium,  dedissem  uti- 
que;  *  holocaustis  non  de- 
lectaberis. 

Sacrificium  Deo  spiri- 
tus  contribulatus:  *  cor 
contritum  et  humiliatum, 
Deus!  non  despicies. 

Benicrne    fac,  Domine! 


in  bona  voluntate  tua, 
Sion:  *  ut  aedificentvif 
muri  Jerusalem. 

Tunc  acceptabis  sacri- 
ficium justitix,  oblationea 
et  holocausta:  *  tunc  im- 
ponent  super  altare  tuum 
vitulos. 

Gloria  Patri,  &c. 


For  the  translation,  seepage  175. 
L1TANIJE  SANCTORUM. 


Ktrie  eleison.   Christe 

Omnes  sancti  ang-eii  et 

eleison.     Kyrie  eleison. 

archangeli!  orate  pro  no- 

Christe! audi  nos. 

bis. 

Christe!  exaudinos. 

Omnes  sancti  beatorwm 

Pater  de  coelis  Deus! 

Spirituum  ordines!  orate 

miserere  nobis. 

pro  nobis. 

Fili  Redemptor  mundi, 

Sancte  Joannes  Baptis- 

Deus!  miserere  nobis. 

ta!                                  ora. 

Spfritus  Sancte,  Deus! 

Sancte  Joseph!        ora. 

miserere  nobis. 

Omnes   sancti    patriar- 

Sancta Trfnitas,    unus 

chs  et  prophets!     orate. 

Deus!  miserere  nobis. 

Sancte  Petre!           ora. 

Sancta  Maria!  ora  pro 

Sancte  Paule!          ora. 

nobis. 

Sancte  Andrea!        ora. 

SanctaDei  Genitrix!  ora. 

Sancte  Jacobe!        ora. 

SanctaVirgo  Virgmum! 

Sancte  Joannes!      ora. 

ora. 

Sancte  Thoma!        ora. 

Sancte  Michael!      ora. 

Sancte  Jacobe!        ora. 

Sancte  Gabriel!       ora. 

Sancte  Philippe !     ora. 

Sancte  Raphael!      ora. 

Sancte  Bartholomxe! 

ora 

LITANIJE  SANCTORUM. 


457 


Sancte  Matthsee!     ora. 

Sancte  Simon-!         ora. 

Sancte  Thaddxe!    ora. 

Sancte  Matthia!       ora. 

Sancte  Barnaba!      ora. 

Sancte  Luca!  ora. 

Sancte  Marce!         ora. 

Omnes  sancti  Apostoli 
et  Evang-elistx !        orate. 

Omnes  sancti  disci  puli 
Domini!  orate. 

Omnes  sancti  Innocen- 
tes!  orate. 

Sancte  Stephane!    ora. 

Sancte  Laurenti!     ora. 

Sancte  Vincenti!     ora. 

Sancti  Fabiane  et  Se- 

bastiane!  orate. 

Sancti  Joannes  et  Paulel 

orate. 

Sancti  Cosma  et  Dami- 
ane!  orate. 

Sancti  Gervasi  et  Pro- 
tasi!  orate. 

Omnes  sancti  Martyres! 
orate. 

Sancte  Sylvester!    ora. 

Sancte  Greg-ori!      ora. 

Sancte  Ambrosi!     ora. 

Sancte  Augustine!  ora. 

Sancte  Hieronyme! 

ora. 

Sancte  Martine!      ora. 
39 


Sancte  Nicolae!       ora. 

Omnes  sancti  Pontifi- 
cesetConfessores!  orate. 

Omnes  sancti  Doctores ! 
orate. 

Sancte  Antoni!        ora. 

Sancte  Benedicte !  ora. 

Sancte  Beniarde!    ora. 

Sancte  Domfnice!   ora. 

Sancte  Francisce!   ora. 

Omnes  sancti  Sacerdo- 
tes  et  Levitae !  orate. 

Omnes  sancti  Monachi 
et  Eremitx !  orate. 

Sancta  Maria  Mag-da- 
le na!  ora. 

Sancta  Agatha!        ora- 

Sancta  Lucia!  ora. 

Sancta  Agnes!         ora. 

Sancta  Cxcflia!        ora. 

Sancta  Catharfna!    ora. 

Sancta  Anastasia!    ora. 

Omne9  sanctx  Virg-incs 
et  Viduae !  orate. 

Omnes  Sancti  et  Sanc- 
tae  Dei!  Intercedite  pro 
nobis. 

Propitius  esto,  parce 
nobis,  Domine! 

Propitius  esto,  exaudi 
nos,  Domine! 

Ab  omni  malo,  libera 
nos,  Domine1 


453 


LITAMtE  sanctorum. 


Ab  omni  peccato,libera. 
Ab  ira  tua,  libera. 

A  subitanea,  et  impro- 
visa  morte,  libera. 

Ab  insidiis  diaboli, 

libera. 
Ab  ira,  et  odio,  et  om- 
ni mala  voluntate,    libera, 
A  spiritu  fornicationis, 
libera. 
A  fulgure  et  tempes- 
tate,  libera. 

A  morte  perpetua, 

libera. 
Per  mysterium  sanctx 
incarnationis  tuae,    libera. 
Per  adventum  tuum, 

libera. 
Per  nativitatem  tuam, 

libera. 
Per  baptismum  et  sanc- 
tum jejiinium  tuum, 

libera. 

Per   crucem   et  passi- 

<5nem  tuam,  libera. 

Per  mortem  et  sepultii- 

ram  tuam,  libera. 

Per  sanctam   resurrec- 

tionem  tuam,  libera. 

Per  admirabilem  ascen- 

sionem  tuam,  libera. 

Per  adventum  Spiritus 

Sancti  Paracliti,      libera. 


In  die  judicii,      libera. 

Peccatores,te  rogamus, 
audi  nos. 

Ut  nobis  parcas,  te  ro- 
gamus, audi  nos. 

Ut  nobis  indiilgeas,  te 
rogamus,  audi  nos. 

Ut  ad  veram  pxniten- 
tiam  nos  perducere  dig 
neris,te  rogamus,audi  nos. 
Ut  Ecclesiam  tuam 
sanctam  regere  et  conser- 
vare  digneris,  te  rogamus. 

Ut  domnum  Apostoli- 
cum  et  omnes  Ecclesias- 
ticos  ordines  in  sancta  re- 
ligione  conservare  digne- 
ris, te  rogamus. 

Ut  inimicos  sanctse  Ec- 
clesise  humiliare  dignetis, 
te  rogamus,  audi  nos. 

Ut  Regibus  et  principi- 
bus  Christianis  pacem  et 
veram  concordiam  donare 
digneris,  te  rogamus. 

Ut  cuncto  populo  Chris- 
tiiino  pacem  et  unitatem 
largiri  digneris,  te  roga- 
mus. 

Ut  nosmetipsos  in  tuo 
sancto  servitio  confortare 
et  conservdre  digner«s,  te 
rogamus. 


LITANIJE  SANCTORUM. 


459 


Ut  mentes  nostras  ad 
coclestia  desideria  erig-as, 
te  rogamus. 

Ut  omnibus  benefacto- 
ribus  nostris  sempiterna 
bona  retribuas,  te  roga- 
mus. 

Ut  animas  nostras,  fra- 
trum,  propinquorum,  et 
benefactorum  nostrorum, 
ab  sterna  damnatione  erf- 
pias,  te  rogamus. 

Ut  fructus  terrse  dare  et 
conservdre  digneris,  te 
rogamus. 

Ut  dmnibus  fidelibus 
defunctis  requiem  xtcr- 
nam    donare  digneris,  te 


Ut  nos  exaudfre  digne- 
ris,  te  rogamus. 

Fib  Dei,  te  rogamus. 

Agnus  Dei,  qui  tollis 
peccata  mundi,  parce  no- 
bis, Domine! 

Agnus  Dei,  qui  tollis 
peccata  mundi,  exaudi 
nos,  Domine! 

Agnus  Dei,  qui  tollis 
peccata  mundi,  miserere 
nobis. 

Christe!  audi  nos. 

Christe!  exaudi  nos. 

Kyrie  eleison.  Christe 
eleison.  Kyrie  eleison. 

Pater  noster. 

V.  Et  ne  nos  indiicas  in 
tentationem.  R.  Sed  libe- 
ra nos  a  malo. 


Psalmiis  lxix. 


Deus!  in  adjutorium 
meum  intende :  *  Domine ! 
adadjuvandum  me  fcstina. 

Confundantur  et  reve- 
reantur,  *  qui  quaerunt 
animam  meam. 

Avertantur  retrorsum, 
et  erubescant:  *  qui  vo- 
lant mihi  mala. 

Avertantur  statin  eru- 


bescentes,  *  qui  dicunt 
mihi:  Euge,  euge. 

Exiiltent  et  laetentur  in 
te  omnes  qui  quaerunt  te: 
*  et  dicant  sumper:  mag- 
nificetur  Dominus,  qui  df- 
ligunt  salutare  tuum. 

Ego  vero  egenus,  et 
pauper  sum,  *  Deus1  ad- 
juva  me. 


460 


LITANI^E  SANCTORUM. 


Adjiitor  meus,  et  libe- 
rator meus  es  tu:  *  Do- 
mine!  ne  moreris. 

Gloria  Patri,  &c. 

V.  Salvos  fac  servos 
tuos.  R.  Deusmeus!  spe- 
rdntes  in  te. 

V.  Estonobis,D6mine, 
tun-is  fortitiidinis.  R.  A 
facie  inimici. 

V.  Nihil  proficiat  ini- 
micus  in  nobis.  R.  Et  fi- 
lms iniquitatis  non  appo- 
nat  nocere  nobis. 

V.  Domine!  non  secun- 
dum peccata  nostra  facias 
nobis.  R.  Neque  secun- 
dum iniquitates  nostras 
retribuas  nobis. 

V.  Oremus  pro  Pontffi- 
ce  nostro  N.  R.  Dominus 
conservet  eumet  vivificet 
eum,  etbeatum  faciat  eum 
in  terra,  et  non  tradat 
eum  in  animam  inimico- 
rum  ejus. 

V.  Oremus  pro  benefac- 
tdribus  nostris.  R.  Retri- 
biiere  dignare,  Domine! 
omnibus  nobisbonafacien- 
tibus  propter  nomen  tuum 
vitam  xternam.  R.  Amen. 


V.  Oremus  pro  fideli- 
bus  defiinctis.  R.  Requi 
em  xternam  dona  eis,  D6- 
mine!  et  lux  perpetualu- 
ceat  eis. 

V.  Requiescant  iu  pace 
R.  Amen. 

V.  Profratribus  nostris 
absentibus.  R.  Salvos  fac 
servos  tuos,  Deus  meus! 
sperantes  in  te. 

V.  Mitte  eis  Domine! 
auxilium  de  sancto.  R.  Et 
de  Sion  tuere  eos. 

V.  Domine!  exaudi  ora- 
tionem  meam.  R.  Et  cla- 
mor meus  ad  te  veniat. 

V.  Dominus  vobfscum. 
R.  Et  cum  spiritu  tuo. 
Oremus. 

Deus!  cui proprium  est 
miser£ri  semper  et  par- 
cere:  siiscipe  deprecati- 
6nem  nostram,  ut  nos,  et 
omnes  famulos  tuos  quos 
delictorum  catena  con- 
stringit,  miseratio  tux  pie- 
tatis  clementer  absolvat. 

ExAt7Di,qii3esumus,  Do- 
mine! supplicum  preces, 
et  confitejtium  tibi,  parce 


LITANLE  SANCTORUM. 


461 


peccatis:  ut  pariter  nobis 
indulge ntiam  trfbuas  be- 
nignus  et  pacem. 

Ineffabilem  nobis,  Do- 
mine!  miseric6rdiam  tu- 
am  clementer  ostende:  ut 
sirnul  nos  et  a  peccatis 
dmnibus  exuas,  etapoenis 
quas  pro  his  meremur, 
eripias. 

Deus!  qui  culpa  offen- 
deris,  poenitentiaplacaris: 
preces  populi  tui  suppli- 
cantis  propftius  respice: 
et  flagella  tux  iraciindiae, 
quae  pro  peccatis  nostris 
meremur,  averte. 

03tNiPOTEXs,sempiterne 
Deus !  miserere  famulo  tuo 
Pontifici  nostro  N.  et  di- 
rige  eum  secundum  tuam 
clementiam  in  viam  salii- 
tis  xternx :  ut,  te  donante, 
tibi  placita  ciipiat,  et  tota 
virtiite  perficiat. 

Decs!  a  quo  sancta  de- 
sideria,  recta  consilia,   et 
justa  sunt  rtpera:  da  ser- 
39* 


vis  tuis  illam,  quam  mun- 
dus  dare  non  potest  pa- 
cem; ut  et  corda  nostra 
mandatis  tuis  dedita,  et 
hostium  sub  lata  formf- 
dine,  tempora  sint  tua 
protectione  tranquilla. 

Uhe  igne  Sancti  Spiri- 
tus  renes  nostros  et  cor- 
nostrum,  Domine!  ut  tibi 
casto  corpore  serviamus: 
et  mundo  corde  place- 
dmus. 

Fideliux  Deus  omnium 
Conditor  et  Redemptor! 
animabus  famulorum,  fa- 
mularumque  tuarum  re- 
missionem  cunctorum  tri- 
bue  peccatorum:  ut  indul- 
gentiam  quam  semper  op- 
taverunt,  piis  supplica- 
tionibus  consequantur. 

Actioxes  nostras,  qux- 
sumus,  Domine,  aspirando 
prxveni,  et  adjuvando 
prosequere :  ut  cuncta  nos- 
tra oratio  et  operatio  a  te 
semper  incipiat,  et  per  te 
ccepta  finidtur. 


462 


LITANIJE  SANCTORUM. 


Omxipotens  sempiterne 
Deus!  qui  vivorum  domi- 
naris  simul  et  mortuorum 
omniumque  misereris, 
quos  tuos  fide  et  <5pere  fu- 
tiiros  esse  przenoscis:  te 
supplices  exoramus:  ut 
pro  quibus  effundere  pre- 
ces  decrevimus,  quosque 
vel  prxsens  sxculum  ad- 
huc  in  came  retinet,  vel 
futurum  jam  exutos  cor- 
pore  suscepit,  interceden- 
tibus  omnibus  Sanctis  tuis, 
pietatis    tuae    dementia. 


omnium  delictorum  su6- 
rum  veniam  consequan- 
tur.  Per  D6minum  nos- 
trum. 

V.  Dominus  vobiscum. 
R.  Et  cum  spiritu  tuo. 

V.  Exaudiat  nos  omni- 
potens  et  misericors  Do- 
minus.    R.  Amen. 

V.  Et  fidelium  anim<c 
per  misericordiam  Dei 
requiescant  in  pace.  R. 
Amen. 


INDEX, 


Page 

abstinence,  clays  of, 19 

A.cts  of  Faith,  Hope,  Charity,  and  Contrition,    .     34 

Alms,  pious  reflections  on, 348 

Aloysius,  devotions  to  St., 261 

Anger,  preservatives  against, 110 

Angelical  salutation,     37 

Angelus  Domini, 45 

Angel,  prayer  to  our  guardian, 241 

Aspirations,  which  may  be  repeated  throughout 

the  day, 92 

Baptism,  a  prayer  for  renewing  the  promises  of,  268 

,  a  prayer  to  our  holy  patron  of,    ....   272 

Benediction  of  the  blessed  sacrament, 426 

Bona  mors, 275 

Calendar,  the  Roman, 3 

Charity,  fraternal, 96 

Chastity, 101 

Christian  doctrine, 21 

Communion,  instructions  for, 143 

,  prayers  before, 148 

,  prayers  after, 156 

Confession,  method  of, 137 

,  preparation  for, 120 

,  prayers  after, 139 

Confirmation,  a  form  for  renewing  the  obliga- 
tions of, 271 

Constituted  authorities,  a  prayer  for  the,  ....  264 


464  INDEX. 

Page 
Conversations, 89 

Conversion,  reflections  on  the  delay  of,  .      ...  341 

Complin, 429 

Covetousness,  preservatives  against, 106 

Creed,  Apostles*, 37 

Creed,  the  Nicene, 67 

Dead,  prayers  for, 315 

Death,  reflections  on, 330 

Departing,  recommendation  of  a  soul, 308 

Diffidence  in  ourselves,  reflections  on, 343 

Drunkenness,  preservatives  against, 113 

Enemies,  the  love  of  our, 356 

Envy,  preservatives  against, 114 

Evening*  exercise, 47 

Example,  reflections  on, 349 

Extreme  unction,  a  prayer  before, 303 

,  a  prayer  after, 305 

Faith,  reflections  on, 327 

Fasting  days, 19 

Feasts,  table  of  moveable, 5 

Gluttony,  preservatives  against, 113 

God,  fervour  in  the  service  of, 358 

,  confidence  in, 352 

,  conformity  to  the  will  of, 102-351 

,  devotions  to  the  Mother  of, 359 

,  reflections  on  the  love  of, 353 

• ,  reflections  on  the  presence  of, 336 

Gospel  lessons, 27 

Grace,  reflections  on  the  use  of  divine, 344 

Heaven,  reflections  on, 335 

Hell,  reflections  on, 333 

,  reflections  on  the  eternity  of  the  pains  of,  334 

Holydays  of  obligation  in  this  diocess, 19 


INDEX.  465 

Page 

Human  respect,  reflections  on, 342 

Humility,  the  virtue  of, 95 

Hvmxs. 

Adeste  fidelis,  To  Belhlehcm  haste, 438 

Ad  regias  agni  dapes,  The  Red  Sea's  dangers, 420 

Audi  benigne  Conditor,       O  bountiful  Creator! 413 

Are  maris  stella,  Bright  mother  of  our  Maker,  .  •  .  382 

Creator  alme  siderum,  Bright  maker  of  the  starry  poles,  .  404 
Crudelis  Herodes  Deum,  What  makes  thee,  cruel  Herod, .  .  409 
Deus  tuorum  militum,  O  God!  the  lot,  the  crown,  ....  391 
Dies  irae,  dies  ilia,  That  day  of  wrath,  that  direful,    .  447 

Exultet  orbis  guadiis,  Throughout  the  world  let  joys,  .  .  389 

Fortem  virili  pectore,         Rise,  tuneful  numbers, 400 

Isle  confessor  Domini,         This  day,  with  gladness, 397 

Jcsu!  dulci3  memoria,  Jesus!  the  only  thought  of  thee,  .  .  '.11 

Jesu!  corona  virginum,        Regard  our  vows, 3yy 

Jesu!  Redemptor  omnium,  Jesus!  the  ransomer  of  man,  ....  407 

Lauda,  Sion,  Salvatorcm,    Break  forth,  O  Sion! 440 

Lucis  Creator  optime,  O  great  Creator, 370 

O  nlii  et  filiae,  Young  men,  and  maids, 417 

Pange  lingua!  gloriosi,         Sing,  O  my  tongue, 427 

Placare,  Christe!  servulis,  O  Jesus!  let  thy  anger  cease, ....  402 
Salutis  humans  sator,         Jesus!  the  Saviour  of  mankind,  .  .  422 

Sanctorum  meritis,  Let  us  fam'd  acts, 393 

Stabat  mater,  445   Under  the  world's  redeeming,    .  .  284 

Te  Deum  Laudamus,  Thee,  sov'reign  God, 434 

Veni  Creator  Spiritus,        Spirit,  Creator  of  mankind,    .  .    .  424 

Veni  Sancte  Spiritus,  Come,  Holy  Ghost, 438 

Vexilla  regis  prodeunt,        Behold  the  royal  ensigns  fly,  ....  415 

Impatience,  preservatives  against, 112 

Indulgences,  instructions  on, 316 

Intention,  purity  of, 101 

Jesus  Psalter, 188 

,  devotions  to  infant, 201 

,  devotions  to  the  sacred  heart  of, 206 

,  beads  of  the  sacred  heart  of, 212 

,  a  prayer  to  suffering-, 250 

,  a  prayer  to  invoke  into  ourselves  the  life  of,    41 


466  INDEX. 

Page 

Joseph,  a  prayer  to  St., 243 

Judgment,  reflections  on  the  last, 332 

Lateran,  decree  of  the  council  of, 20 

Litany  of  the  blessed  Trinity, 230 

of  the  life  and  passion  of  Jesus  Christ,    .  250 

■  of  the  holy  name  of  Jesus, 39 

of  Infant  Jesus, 201 

of  the  sacred  heart  of  Jesus, 206 

of  the  blessed  sacrament, 245 

of  the  blessed  Virgin — in  English,   ...     51 

in  Latin,    ....  256 

of  Saints — in  English,  180 — in  Latin,    .  456 

of  the  holy  angels, 238 

of  St.  Joseph, 242 

of  St  Aloysius, 261 

for  the  dead, 235 

for  obtaining  a  good  death, 288 

Lord's  prayer, 37 

Lord,  the  imitation  of  our,     353 

Lord,  Jesus  Christ,  the  love  of  our, 351 

Lust,  preservatives  against,       109 

Magnificat  anima  mea — My  soul   doth  magnify 

the  Lord, 372 

Man,  reflections  on  the  end  of, 328 

Marriage,  solemnizing  of, 20 

Mary,  a  prayer  to  implore  the  patronage  of  the 

B.  Virgin, 46 

,  a  prayer  to  the  sacred  heart  of, 212 

,  consecration  of  one's  self  to  the  B.  Virgin,  258 

,  prayer  of  St.  Bernard  to  the  B.  Virgin,  .  258 

Mass,  instructions  on  the  holy  sacrifice  of,    ...     57 

,  devotions  for, 61 

,  method  of  hearing  it  spiritually, 80 


INDEX.  <167 

Page 

Muss,  manner  of  serving*  at, 81 

,  pious  reflections  on, 346 

Meals, 88 

,  prayers  before  and  after, .     94 

Meditation,  utility  of, 42 

,  method  of, ,  .     43 

Morning  exercise, 33 

Mortification,  virtue  of, 97-350 

Neighbour,  reflections  on  the  love  of  our,  ....  352 

Obedience,  virtue  of,     99 

Passions,  prayer  for  obtaining  the  victory  over  our,  267 

Patience,  virtue  of,     98 

Poverty  of  spirit, 100 

Pride,  preservatives  against, ,  .  .  104 

Purity  of  intention, 101 

Penance,  the  sacrament  of, 1 17 

Patron,  prayer  to  the  monthly, 273 

Psalms. 

The  seven  penitential, 172 

Beati  omnesqui,  Blessed  are  all  they  that  fear,  .  .  426 

Benedic  animamca,  Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul,    .  .  .  451 

Beatus  vir,  Blessed  is  the  man, 364 

Confitebor  tibi,  I  will  praise  thee,  O  Lord, .  .  .  .  363 

Credidi,  propter  quod,  I  have  believed, 384 

De  profiuidis  clamavi,  Out  of  the  depths, 406 

Dixit  Dominus,  The  Lord  said, 361 

Domine  probasti  mc,  Lord,  thou  hast  proved  me,    .  .  .  386 

In  convertendo,  Dominus,      When  the  Lord  brought,    ....  385 

In  exitu  Israel  de,  When  Israel  went  out, 366 

Lactatus  sum  in  his,  I  rejoiced  at  the  things, 379 

Lauda  Jerusalem,  Praise  the  Lord,  O  Jerusalem, .  .381 

Laudate  Dominum,  O  praise  the  Lord, 369 

Laudate,  pueri,  Dominum,     Praise  the  Lord,  ye  children,  .  .  365 
Memeu to,  Domine,  David,    O  Lord,  remember  David,  .  .  .  .  395 

Miserere  mei,  Deus,        455  Have  mercy  on  me, 175 

Nui  Dominus  aediGcaverit,    Except  the  Lord  build, 380 


468  INDEX. 

Pqg* 

Purgatory,  prayer  for  the  souls  suffering  in,     .  .  234 

Recreations,  of, 88 

Repentance,  reflections  on,     339 

Respect,  reflections  on  human,     338 

Rosary,  instructions  on, 214 

,  of  the  blessed  Virgin, 218 

Sacraments,  reflections  on  the  use  of, 345 

Sacrament,  practice  of  visiting  the  blessed,  .  .  .  167 

,  prayer  to  Jesus  in  the  blessed,  ....  246 

Salvation,  reflections  on  the  care  of  our,     ....  337 
i  universal  prayer  for  all  things  necessa- 
ry to,  266 

Sick,  devotions  for  the, 290 

Sin,  reflections  on  horror  for, 338 

Sloth,  preservatives  against, 115 

Time,  reflections  on  the  employment  of,    ....  345 

Trinity,  a  prayer  to  the  Most  Holy, 230 

Vain-glory,  preservatives  against, 106 

Woman,  a  daily  prayer  for  a  pregnant, 273 

Work,  of, ' 86 

,  a  prayer  before,     93 

,  a  prayer  during, 93 

Word  of  God,  manner  of  hearing, 90 

Wounds,  a  prayer  to  the  five, ^75 


JLa^j 


